Government, last night, hosted an employment forum to help the 2,000 or so individuals expected to lose their jobs, bounce back from the recession.

According to Labour Minster David Burch, this is a difficult time in Bermuda's economic history and only expected to get worse.

Speaking to more than 200 patrons, he said: "This Ministry does not have a magic bullet to solve problems, so I don't want you to look at tonight's forum in isolation.

"It is a continuation of efforts we are making to help folk, not just employees, but employers as well. We are working in partnership with people in this community and dedicated to trying to help people through this very difficult time."

The panel included: Doug Soars, partner of employment service company Expertise Limited; Pamela Quarterly, owner of Chopsticks and Rosas Cantina and Executive Vice President of Media House; Chris Furbert, President of Bermuda Industrial Union and Major Allan Wayne Smith, Director of Labour and Training.

According to Mr. Soares, the recession will ultimately take around 2,000 jobs out of the Bermuda economy. "I actually estimate well over 1,000 (jobs) have already been lost," he said.

Though many Bermudians take solace in the fact that expatriates have been the hardest hit by the 'hiring freeze', any job lost on the Island will ultimately hurt the public purse, he said.

"I have to remind everybody that every time a job is lost whether it is a non-Bermudian worker or not, that is the absence of one job in the future that could have been held by a Bermudian.

"It's also one job that used to supply a mortgage or assistance on paying rent, buying groceries (and) paying for their cellphone," Mr. Soares added.

The recession has caused many employers to become less tolerant of substandard performance, tardiness and complacency, he said. It has also raised the bar for what is expected of employees, who he encourages to take advantage of opportunities and apply for jobs as soon as possible rather than waiting until 2010 rolls around.

Mr. Soares also urges people to educate themselves with new knowledge and skills; and to consistently perform to the best of their ability.

A female audience member admitted she was recently made redundant due to a lack of seniority. Mr. Smith suggested for people in a similar position to contact Department of Labour and Training and get help looking for a job or improving their resume.

For college graduates unable to find a job, call Mr. Soares on 296-9696. Though he cannot guarantee a positive result, he says he can help with advice on how to complete the job search in the best way possible.