The legal obligations of employers to their employees will be the focus of a panel discussion hosted by the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce this morning.

The panel, the result of a collaborative effort with the Bermuda Health Council, the Department of Social Insurance, the Pension Commission and the Health Insurance Department, will provide an overview of employer responsibilities under the law.

A statement by the Chamber explained: “Section 20 of the Health Insurance Act 1970 stipulates that an employer must provide an active health insurance policy with a licensed insurer (or approved scheme) for him or herself, all employees and their non-employed spouses.

“The Health Council monitors and enforces employer compliance with this Act. The Contributory Pensions Act 1970 authorises DOSI to manage the public pension fund and authorises the Pension Commission to monitor and ensure integrity of all private pension plans available on the island.

“Through regular monitoring and enforcement of these Acts, it is often discovered that employers are unsure of their full responsibilities to their employees.”

Last year, the Health Council investigated 1,016 reports of employers with inactive health insurance policies, representing 3,039 employees without health insurance coverage.

Following investigations, 787 employers settled their arrear and re-established policies, giving coverage to 2,115 employees.

The panel discussion provides an opportunity for employers to be informed of and ask questions about their legal obligations to their employees.

Ian Cameron, compliance officer of the Health Council, said: “This inter-agency panel discussion will provide a good opportunity for employers to familiarise themselves with the specific requirements of the Health Insurance Act 1970 and the Contributory Pensions Act 1970 as investigations have often revealed that employers’ delinquency with health insurance is in tandem with delinquency in pension contributions as well.

“This has long-term implications for employees who are often unaware that contributions are not being made by their employer. This discussion will assist employers in gaining a better understanding of their responsibilities and allow for improved fiscal planning.”

The panel discussion will take place today at 8am in the Chamber of Commerce offices.