Around 13,000 packs containing posters, stickers and leaflets carrying the anti-racism message have been sent to workplaces throughout the province as part of Anti-Racist Workplace Week.

Over the past year, the Equality Commission has recorded a 46% increase in people contacting them about racial discrimination.

And police recorded 936 racial incidents in Ulster last year - more than double the total of each of the previous two years.

Many of these attacks occurred in Belfast, Dungannon and Craigavon where there are large migrant communities.

Bob Collins, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission, which has organised the 'Keep Your Workplace Racism Free' campaign, said racism was a poison which had the potential to cause significant damage to our society.

"In the workplace it can cause divisions among staff, lower morale and blight the progress and prosperity of any business where it goes unchecked," he said. "Employers can play an important role in challenging this, in their own businesses and in the communities where they operate.

"Harassment in work is central to many inquiries received by the Commission. The number of people contacting us about racial discrimination or harassment has increased by 46% from 220 in 2006 to 321 in 2007 - while 68% of respondents to the 2005 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey thought there was more racial prejudice in Northern Ireland in 2005 compared to the previous five years."

Events have been organised to mark Anti-Racist Workplace Week including cultural displays, conferences, information days and training sessions.

For information contact the Commission on 028 9050 0600 or visit www.equalityni.org .