IBEC today called on employers to take the lead in preventing racism in the workplace.
IBEC director of social policy Ms Jackie Harrison said: "Most companies are aware of anti-racist issues and are now looking at practical things to do in their own companies particularly through training and implementing company strategies."
Ms Harrison chaired the IBEC seminar held in Dublin today to discuss best-practice policies to prevent racism in the workplace as part of the Anti-Racist Workplace Week, organised by the Equality Authority in conjunction with the social partners (IBEC, ICTU and CIF).
Over 50 companies attended the seminar, which also presented two case studies on successful integration policies.
Mr Peter O’Dwyer of Dawn Farms Foods outlined the strategy developed to integrate 90 employees from Brazil and issues that had arisen since they joined the company in 2000.
Mr Paul Lyons of IBM discussed the company's experience when implementing policies to managing diversity among its staff, which is drawn from over 20 nationalities.
Opening the seminar this morning, the Minister for State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms Liz O’Donnell, said the anti-racist initiative is crucial in developing a national strategy particularly as Ireland may be facing a period of slower economic growth.