Wilson stands by her tough stance on work permits

Minister Kim Wilson plans to introduce new training programmes to “help address skill set and attitudinal deficits among those seeking employment”.

But she said she made ‘no apology’ for imposing a moratorium on work permits for landscape gardeners, cleaners, kitchen and bar porters, housekeepers and skilled labourers.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday she told business owners that she understood their concerns.

But she said there were eligible Bermudians who could fill positions held by guest workers. And she urged them to persist in trying to hire them.

“There are in excess of 1,500 people registered with Labour and Training, if the first 6 don’t work out for whatever reason please call for others.

“Many are simply victims of downsizing and all that is required is retraining so that they can move to other areas of industry.”

She accepted there had been some issues with some new employees, telling business owners: “Ministry staff have chronicled your recruitment experiences as presented in your many letters of appeal and these experiences will be used in the coming weeks to inform specific training programmes.

Attitude

“I have no idea why there are ongoing reports of unemployed persons turning jobs down; I have no idea why a new employee who has been unemployed for sometime would show up for work for a day or two and then never return thereafter.

“I acknowledge that some employees lack the right attitude towards work, struggle with timekeeping and/or fail to follow instructions.

“Yes, these challenges do need to be addressed and yes, you should manage your businesses and employees effectively.

“I am not asking you to tolerate or condone such behavior however I am asking you to consider the necessary training programmes required to address such behaviours and to implement them.”