Make a stand against these shocking race attacks on workers

IN THE aftermath of the EU vote, an immediate issue is emerging where strong, collective business leadership is needed.

We are all, rightly, focusing attention on the impact that the result will have on businesses across the nations and regions of the UK. Yet, at the same time, something ugly is happening in our cities, towns and counties that we must address. That something is affecting people whom many of us call co-workers and friends.

It is racism. It is discrimination. Sadly, it is spiking all around us.

We’ve all seen shocking news reports detailing these incidents. Businesses, large and small, are worried about the reprehensible verbal and physical attacks targeting people from other parts of the EU, and indeed elsewhere.

These individuals have done nothing wrong. They have done little more than work hard and make significant contributions to local businesses – side-by-side with their UK-born co-workers.

Many individuals and businesses are understandably worried about a rising climate of fear. EU nationals in Britain have to contend with this while facing uncertainty over their future rights to live and work in the UK – something that the British Chambers of Commerce will work hard to guarantee, in the interests of our businesses and their staff.

Chambers of commerce have long played a local leadership role, and we pride ourselves on making the places where we do business better. It is a big part of why local businesses come together as part of a chamber – to make a local community stronger.

This is a time when we will put our centuries-old civic commitment into action. We must step up and confront the discrimination affecting people in our communities and businesses.

Company owners, managers, staff and our friends in the media and Government must join together and make a stand. We must not put up with this treatment of colleagues and friends in the face of ignorance. Discuss the issue with staff. Raise your voice in the media and online. Attend civic events and support local charities fighting discrimination. Or donate time and resources to community centres. These are just some of the things that businesses can do to tackle the issue.

We must be clear. Businesses are rightly proud of the contribution that their UK, EU and global employees make – and we say a robust and clear ‘no’ to racism and discrimination.

We have much to do in the forthcoming period of change and transition brought on by the vote to leave the EU. Over time, firms will deal with challenges and seize opportunities. But discrimination is something we must tackle right away – in the interests of our members and the business communities we call home.