unveiled yesterday.

Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan immediately hailed it as an historic milestone for the Country.

The hard-hitting report, however, dampens hopes of Bermuda bouncing back into the good times.

It warns the pace of recovery from the recession will be slow -- with hotels, shops and the construction industry continuing to feel the jobs squeeze.

This contrasts with restaurants, cafes, bars, and international business, and medical services.

The long-awaited report by Sir John's Task Force On Employment presents ways to boost training and labour relations.

Government -- rapped for rushing through labour legislation -- is urged to keep out of disputes as much as possible.

Continuing confrontation between bosses and unions must be tackled, the report says.

The Immigration Department, too, comes if for criticism over its "poor public image''.

It is recommended to launch a public relations programme so that information can be better relayed.

And the report warns of the huge economic body blow from the military withdrawal of the US and Canadian forces.

The Bases pump $47.8 million into the Bermudian economy.

"Government's best course of action to offset the losses from the Bases' reductions and closure will be to redouble its efforts to improve tourism to compensate for lost exports and jobs.'' Warning bells are sounded over the pace of Bermuda's recovery from the recession.

The 1991-92 recession is said to have hit job prospects harder than any downturn since the 1930s. Non-resident employees have borne the brunt.

Recovery will probably be much slower than that of previous downturns.

The report states economic growth in the rest of the '90s will probably be well below the 1.9 percent average in the '80s.

The task force -- set up during the depths of the recession and chaired by Mr.

David Lines -- has 34 recommendations.

Government yesterday declared these were either being put into effect, or under consideration.

A key plan is for a "human resources'' division within a proposed Institute of Economic Development.

This division would set out to ensure effective job training, and drive home to schools the importance of career counselling.

Other key recommendations on training include: Renaming the hospital and employment taxes "employment and training levy''; Ensuring technical training is provided by one place, preferably Bermuda College; Continuing efforts to get a new hotel for Bermuda; and Considering working with the Americans to "determine the rate of any employment reduction'' at the Bases.

Among the suggestions on the labour front are; The clear drafting of labour legislation with the help of the Attorney Genera's chambers. This would avoid misinterpretation; Introducing an Employment Protection Act. This would "outline the parameters within which employers and unions would be expected to contain their employment practices and demands''; Moves to dispel perceptions that local strike ballots are not representative; Considering final offer arbitration.