that might exist.

The Bank of Bermuda has published internally an "equal opportunities policy'' for all employees, new and old.

The one-page policy clearly states jobs, training programmes and promotions are open to everyone "regardless of race, creed or sex''.

In addition, a training programme is being set up for managers in this area to "make sure the policy is followed'', bank president and chief executive officer Mr. Charles Vaughan-Johnson said.

News of the policy was included in the bank's quarterly report to its shareholders sent out yesterday.

Mr. Vaughan-Johnson said the written policy was something he had wanted to implement personally since being appointed head of the bank.

"It's also very much in keeping with the current discussion that's going on,'' he noted.

He added the bank has always had such a policy as did other business institutions, "It just has never been written down so everyone knows what it is.'' Any employees who felt wronged could refer to the policy in proving their complaints, he said.

The bank's policy comes as Government promises action on its universal Code of Employment Ethics and Practice, which it had wanted employers to adopt by June.

In its United Bermuda Party election "blueprint'' update, Government reported the code had been written and was now being discussed with various business groups "in order to effect the voluntary adoption of the Code by Bermuda's employers''.

Mr. Vaughan-Johnson said he would not have a problem with adopting it.

"It's all part of the same thing -- clarification on the issue,'' he said.