The Fairmont Southampton Princess has overcome a short-term staffing crisis thanks to an innovative bonus scheme.

The hotel had applied to Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox last month for special permission to bring in around 30 foreign housekeeping staff on six-month non-renewable contracts for the summer season.

But following objections from Bermudian staff, the hotel agreed to pay a $250 bonus to any existing worker who can recruit an employee who lasts the season.

General manager Norman Mastalir said yesterday that the scheme had proved so successful that the hotel had not pursued the idea of trying to recruit foreign workers on a short-term basis.

He said he was happy to secure more local workers because it saved the hotel the expense and hassle of looking overseas, applying for work permits and finding accommodation.

He told The Royal Gazette : "We were experiencing problems in getting enough Bermudians for the high season even though we were doing all the normal things like running ads, so we requested permission from Immigration about bringing in foreign workers for housekeeping and laundry.

"Our employees were not thrilled about that idea. Housekeeping and laundry had always been staffed fully by Bermudians and there was a desire to keep it that way.

"So we met with them and they thought they might be able to help out so we instituted this programme.

"It has resulted in a significantly improved stream of applicants to the hotel, but whether it's enough to resolve the entire issue remains to be seen.

"We still think our proposal to Immigration is worthwhile if we just can't get the staff to fill the jobs.

"It's still on the table, but we haven't pursued it because we seem to be having better luck finding Bermudians for these positions.'' He said the laundry and housekeeping positions had been filled, but the hotel was still short of about 50 staff. This was normal for the hotel, which has 700 employees, he added.