Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward, expanded on changes to job categories today, that are being made in the face of low unemployment
Bartenders and Room Attendants will no longer be closed job categories for Bermudians – at least for the next year.
They are being moved to the restricted category, along with certain aviation jobs such as aviation security guard, ramp agent and GSE Licensed Mechanic.
Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward, expanded on the changes today, saying that “Bermuda has reached a point of statistical full employment, which, with an ageing workforce and an expanding economy, is causing unavoidable labour shortages in some sectors.”
The following changes are being made, effective March 1st…
Within hospitality (for a one-year period):
* Bartender will move from the Closed to the Restricted Job category for restaurants and hotels only, and
* Room Attendants will move from the Closed to the Restricted Job category
For Aviation (maximum work permit duration two years):
* Aviation Security Guard, Ramp Agent, Ramp Senior Operator, GSE Apprentice Mechanic, GSE Licensed Mechanic, and GSE Body & Paint Tech will be in the Restricted Job category. (Airline Ground Agent, Passenger Service Agent, Aircraft Licensed Mechanic and Cabin Services Agent will be in the Closed Job category)
Minister Hayward added that, to safeguard the availability of jobs for Bermudians, “employers in the hospitality and aviation sectors must monitor the number of work permit holders they hire and report to the Ministry annually when employment levels reach a 50% Bermudian threshold.”
“All positions will be required to be advertised, to ensure that suitably qualified Bermudians are given the first opportunity. Additionally, the hospitality sector will be required to hold a career fair.”
Responding to questions, Minister Hayward advised that there had been several other requests from stakeholders, particularly in hospitality, to open up job categories.
However, in those cases, Government determined other measures could be taken to try to secure Bermudian employment (WATCH the clip below…)
