Post by earl on Jan 21, 2008 17:55:41 GMT
The workplace in Northern Ireland is still blighted by "unacceptable" levels of religious segregation, a high-profile seminar in Belfast was told last night.
Trevor Ringland, the Belfast solicitor and former Irish rugby international, said the business sector could be doing more to promote community relations.
Mr Ringland was addressing a seminar organised at Belfast Harbour Commissioners officer in support of One Small Step, the reconciliation body.
The gathering, which was chaired by Mary Black, chairperson of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, was devised as an economic reflection and discussion.
The event was sponsored by Belfast Harbour Commissioners and The Belfast Telegraph.
The keynote speaker was Peter Sutherland, a former Irish Attorney General and European Union commissioner who is now chairman of BP Amoco in London.
Mr Ringland, who is chairman of One Small Step, said there were many excellent examples of the business community taking the lead in countering sectarianism.
"But I believe more could be done by the business sector to build a new shared future here," said Mr Ringland.
"We have still unacceptable levels of segregation in the workplace.
"There are many factors at work, particularly the link with segregated housing, but I sometimes wonder if we have grown complacent in this area."
Mr Ringland said more could also be done to tackle sectarianism in the workplace, in terms of opposing sectarian flags or emblems and stopping verbal abuse.
"The business sector should be opposing any form of sectarianism and should be seen to oppose it by taking public positions."
Mr Ringland, a member of the Ulster Unionist Party, also urged the business community to re-engage with party politics.
He said the political system could benefit from the expertise which business people could offer.
"The fact is that addressing division makes good financial sense and the business community and the economy have much to gain from a shared future," he said.
Mr Ringland said the accommodation reached in Londonderry over the Apprentice Boys' parade had been promoted by members of the business community.