Business groups across Northern Ireland have signed the following joint statement:
The NI business community stand united in strongly condemning the violence, disorder and intimidation witnessed in recent days across Northern Ireland.
There can be no justification for attacks on people, property or communities. Such actions undermine the values of respect, inclusion and mutual understanding that are essential to a peaceful and prosperous society.
Northern Ireland’s economy and public services depend on people from many backgrounds who have chosen to live and work here. Migrant workers make a vital contribution across every sector of our economy, including health and social care, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, agri-food, retail and professional services. Their skills, commitment and entrepreneurship help sustain businesses, strengthen public services and enrich our communities.
Northern Ireland has worked hard to build a reputation as a welcoming place to live, work, visit and invest. Images of violence and division risk damaging that reputation at a time when we are seeking to attract tourists, international talent, investment and raise living standards. Such incidents create unnecessary harm to local communities.
As representatives of the business community, we believe our future prosperity depends on creating a society that is open, inclusive and welcoming to all. We reject attempts to sow division and fear, and we stand with all those who are working to promote respect, safety and community cohesion.
We urge everyone to reject violence, support the rule of law and work together to ensure Northern Ireland remains a place where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
- Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITC)
- CBI Northern Ireland
- Construction Employers Federation
- Dairy Council NI
- Employers Federation Northern Ireland
- Federation of Small Businesses Northern Ireland
- Hospitality Ulster
- IoD Northern Ireland
- Manufacturing NI
- Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Northern Ireland Hotels Federation
- Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association
- Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association
- NI Poultry Industry Federation
- Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance
- Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC)
- NI Pork and Bacon Forum
- Retail NI
- Ulster Farmers Union