A ban on work permits in more than 40 job categories was yesterday extended for another three months.

Jason Hayward, the labour minister, said the moratorium, imposed in November and scheduled to finish at the end of this month, will now run to the end of July.

Residential cleaners have been added to the list, which brought the number of closed categories up to 41.

The jobs joined an existing 12-strong closed category list at the Department of Immigration.

Mr Hayward said the move, under section 3.6 of the work permit policy, was made because of the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Bermudian workers.

Mr Hayward praised the Department of Workforce Development for helping to secure training, professional development and internships for 176 unemployed Bermudians.

He said the department continued to work with human resources professionals and others to get training and career development opportunities for people out of work.

Mr Hayward added he was aware many employees had suffered from tougher restrictions sparked by the latest surge in Covid-19 cases.

He said: “Accordingly, it is important to continue with strong measures to encourage the hiring of Bermudians in the workforce.”

Anyone needing help with use of the Bermuda Job Board or interested in registering for free virtual learning, training and development webinars should contact the department at 297-7714 or by e-mail to dwd@gov.bm.

The restricted categories are:

Bank Teller; General Bartender; Commercial Cleaner; Residential Cleaner; Fisherman; Travel Agent/Consultant; Administrative Assistant; Room Attendant; Kitchen Porter;

Dish/Pot Washer; Kitchen Assistant (or similar); Tennis Instructors; Golf Instructors; Handyman; Reporters/Journalists; HR Officer/Manager; Recruiter; Customer Car/Service Rep and Seasonal Work Permits;

Interns; Carpet Installer; Entertainer/Musician; Technician salesperson; General Carpenter; Landscape Gardener (entry level); Photographer; Waiter/Server; Personal/Executive Assistant; Barber.

Senior Clerk; Warehouse Clerk; Security guard; Laundry Attendant; Real estate agent; Teaching Aide; Para professional; Legal executive; Librarian; Public Relations officer; Child care assistant; Electrician; Plumber.