A TRADE union has urged the authorities to offer better protection to shopworkers and business owners who opted to close their doors last week due to a protest in Barnsley town centre.

Last Thursday’s pre-planned campaign outside the town hall which saw an estimated 100 people attend was sparked by the fatal stabbings of three schoolgirls in Southport.

The protest progressed without the disorder seen in the days prior at Manvers’ Holiday Inn Express as police flooded Market Hill and Church Street.

However, trade union Usdaw blasted the ‘intimidation’ of workers trying to earn a living, after multiple businesses on Market Hill including Favela, Old George and Premier all announced they were closing for customers’ safety.

Usdaw’s general secretary, Paddy Lillis, said: “Our thoughts are with the victims of the Southport attacks, their loved ones and the communities that have been attacked.

“We are horrified that the tragic event that took place in Southport has been used to further a far right agenda.

“Many Usdaw members working have felt extremely intimidated and unsafe.

“Our negotiators are in discussions with employers about the impact that the appalling spate of riots is having on our members and looking to ensure that safety measures are in place to protect them.

“We would like to express our solidarity with the emergency service workers who have been working under such difficult conditions, and our gratitude to all those who are trying to bring our communities together and show that hatred will not win.

“We also urge police forces to continue to work closely with businesses in sharing intelligence on when and where incidents are happening, so that employers can take the necessary steps to protect their staff, including extra security provision and store closure where required.

“I have written to Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, welcoming the government’s strong and unequivocal response the perpetrators must be brought to justice quickly and feel the full force of the law, with sentences that reflect the egregious nature of these racist crimes.

“It’s been heartening to see thousands of anti-racism protesters rallying to stand firm against those who sow hatred and division.”