NPA sees surge in insurance claims after riots

The National Pharmacy Association's (NPA's) insurance division NPAI has seen a major rise in insurance claims following the riots taking place across England earlier this month.

Since civil unrest began to take hold in London and other areas on August 8th 2011, a 100 percent increase in quote requests has been logged by NPAI.

This reached a peak on August 9th, on which the organisation received four times its daily average of business quotes, the highest number it has ever recorded in a single day.

Paul Coleman, managing director of NPAI, explained that pharmacies have sustained notable losses due to their expensive fittings and high levels of stock.

"What is clear is their determination to get back up and running as soon as possible and this is where the right insurance makes an enormous difference," he said.

Last week, the NPA attended a Metropolitan Police briefing on the incidents of public disorder, during which it represented the community pharmacy sector.