Bermudians are being forced in their numbers to live overseas after failing to secure careers on the Island, the United Bermuda Party's (UBP) Jamahl Simmons has warned.

In the House of Assembly on Friday, he urged businesses to look to locals first when seeking new workers after receiving complaints from Bermudians that they had been overlooked for jobs in favour of foreigners.

He said: "Time and again, our young people are telling us they are being disrespected by employers in their country.

"They are not getting the jobs. More and more young people are giving up on the Bermudian dream and seeking opportunities elsewhere."

He said while some businesses were reaching out to Bermudians, many still were not, and he said Government needed to do more.

He added: "I believe every effort is being made by the immigration department to enforce the law. I'm asking the business community to look at their recruiting and hiring practises and ask are they doing enough?"

But Government backbencher Neletha Butterfield claimed Mr. Simmons had "insulted" the Progressive Labour Party after it had already done so much for the worker.

She said the National Training Board was now on board with Government and was working hard to get people skills and job opportunities.

"From what I have heard tonight, all the Opposition has done is listen to people," she said.

"We need some action. It annoys me when I know what this Government is doing for young people.

"Give us some solutions. We need to do more than just listen. We need to give advice."

Government backbencher Wayne Perinchief accused members of the Opposition of "hypocrisy" and said when they were in power they had "dismantled" the Bermuda Technical Institute and "diluted" the Berkeley Institute, which was once known for only accepting high-achieving students.

He said: "Rome was not built in a day. This party has been in power for three-and-a-half years yet the people across the floor ran virtually every economic enterprise in this country and every vestige of power in this country for 400 He said: "Rome was not built in a day. This party has been in power for three-and-a-half years yet the people across the floor ran virtually every economic enterprise in this country and every vestige of power in this country for 400 years, yet they sit across there like buffoons.

"Yes, there are problems where Bermudians are leaving Bermuda. We can only do so many things.

"To be accused of doing nothing or to be accused of not helping the very people who we are - our own sons and daughters - is absolute hypocrisy."

Opposition backbencher Cole Simons accused Government of failing to educate its core supporters because "it was better for you to keep them in ignorance".

And Shadow Environment Minister Kim Young said Government did not have the exclusive on caring about people and assisting with problems.

Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell said it was time Government stopped blaming the UBP for the country's woes.

He said: "When you are in charge and you have to ask the Opposition for solutions, something is wrong. Don't shoot the messenger."