Construction firms are likely to suffer because of Government's decision to place a moratorium on hiring expat workers, the Construction Association of Bermuda claimed yesterday.

President Andrew Pereira said the operations of the majority of the Island's firms would be impacted when only a relative few are said to have flouted Immigration laws protecting Bermudian jobs.

"[Labour and Immigration] Minister David Burch has stated that he considers the new measures to be draconian, but is searching for ways to ensure every employable Bermudian has an opportunity to work," said Mr. Pereira yesterday.

"This moratorium will affect the operations of good corporate companies. It is a problem when the actions of a few cause problems for the many."

Senator Burch this week announced a moratorium on all applications for masons, carpenters, landscape gardeners and cleaners.

And he said nine construction companies were red-carded for failing to hire Bermudians.

He said similar concerns expressed about other firms in that industry meant they would also "be subject to closer scrutiny".

Alex DeCouto of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance yesterday described the nine firms as "a few rotten apples".

He agreed with Mr. Pereira that the majority of construction companies are operating as they should.

However he said the move wasn't unprecedented, as similar action was taken when construction on the new Berkeley Institute halted.

"If there are companies that are flouting Immigration regulations then certainly they should be brought to justice because those of us playing by the rules and making efforts to hire, train and promote Bermudians are tired of hearing about firms getting away with not doing so," said the BDA Labour spokesman.

"The fact that only nine firms have been identified in an industry that the Department of Statistics said had 700 firms in 2008 is telling; this is not a pervasive problem but a few rotten apples."

The president of Greymane Contracting added there may be other reasons, such as reading or writing difficulties, which prevented Bermudians from responding to advertisements and finding jobs.

United Bermuda Party Labour spokesman Trevor Moniz said the move indicated Sen. Burch doesn't have faith in his staff.

"I am presuming the Immigration Department does their job. Now what the Minister is saying is his machinery doesn't work.

"He's saying he doesn't have confidence in his staff, in his office, and I think that's sad. He's indicating that everyone's going to suffer.

"I don't think it represents a solution to a problem at all. I don't think [there are] that many Bermudians out there that are trying to get the work. It's just not the case."

At a press conference this week, Sen. Burch cited the difficulty a Bermudian master mason had finding work as an example of why the Immigration Department had taken the tough stance. He said the man applied to ten different companies before he was hired.

Said Mr. Moniz: "He's indicated two things. The first thing is he talks about is an individual case. He says he feels [the need] to investigate. That's his job so get on with it. That bit I don't have a problem with.

"The second bit is he takes a step which he calls "draconian" which is to say he's going to put all applications in a number of categories on hold pending a full investigation of each case."

The Opposition MP continued: "Now that I don't really understand because he seems to be saying I am going to punish everyone. I am going to slow down the process that's already slow.

"That's not good for business. You may score political points with the PLP faithful but otherwise I don't see the point of it."

Chamber of Commerce boss Phil Barnett said a similar moratorium was put in place when Elbow Beach closed to ensure that Bermudians could find work.

"I will say that I am sure the Minister, who is tasked with ensuring that no Bermudians who are qualified are excluded from employment opportunities and conversely not impeding the legitimate aspirations of Bermudian businesses to have reliable, solid performing, qualified, and trustworthy employees to grow their businesses, doesn't have the easiest of jobs in fairly balancing both of these needs," he said.

Added Mr. Pereira: "The CAOB look forward in meeting with the Minister to discuss reasonable ways to address the issue of some companies who refuse to hire any qualified Bermudian. The CAOB have worked closely with the Minister and his various programmes in the past and intend to do so in this current economy."

Is your company one of those that were red-carded? E-mail mpearman@royalgazette.bm.