Rates move 'will destroy economy'

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A major employers' group claims plans to impose rates on Northern Ireland industry will devastate the economy and cost thousands of jobs.

The Northern Ireland Manufacturing Focus Group is taking its campaign across NI this week.

They will be meeting assembly election candidates at a series of roadshows.

The group said its campaign had been ongoing for over two years and had achieved a one-year cap on the industrial rate at 30%.

This was while the government reviewed the decision to introduce industrial rates.

'Distinct possibility'

NIMFG member Michael Wightman said the campaign would see meetings take place at members' factories and plants across Northern Ireland.

"We will brief as many election candidates as possible in their own constituencies about the job losses which will happen if industrial rates are introduced in full," he said.

"The NIMFG has fought hard and achieved notable successes, including positive engagement with the Department of Finance and Personnel, a one-year cap at 30% and the political support of the local parties.

"Now, with the return of the Northern Ireland Assembly a distinct possibility we want to make sure that prospective MLAs are clear on the importance of the issue, and on what needs to be done.

"The introduction of full industrial rates will cost thousands of jobs, it will devastate our economy, and it will meet with continued opposition from our organisation and our members."

Meanwhile, on Monday local politicians are meeting a group of small business owners to hear their concerns over the economy.

The Federation of Small Businesses is launching its NI Assembly Election Manifesto, 'Thinking Big For Business'.

It is the fifth time the Federation of Small Businesses has held a question and answer session ahead of an election.

It said more than 100 business leaders and candidates had signed up to attend.