A SURVEY of business people in the north has found that almost three-quarters want the UK to remain within the European Union - but the figure has fallen.

The Northern Ireland Chamber said 74 per cent of those questioned would vote 'remain', with 21 per cent in favour of leaving.

The vast majority – nearly 90 per cent – said they are now unlikely to change their mind.

The poll was the second by the business organisation in the run-up to next month's referendum.

The first survey in February had 'remain' on 81 per cent, 'leave' at 11 per cent, and 8 per cent don’t knows.

The Northern Ireland Chamber, which represents more than 1,200 businesses employing over 100,000 people, has position of neutrality on the referendum.

President Stephen McCully said: “As June 23 fast approaches, the race for the business vote has clearly tightened.

"Although a clear majority of the businesspeople we surveyed continue to express a preference to remain in the European Union, the gap between remain and leave has narrowed in recent weeks.

“Whichever outcome prevails, attention must focus back to the economy on June 24 without delay.”