A six-month ban on work permits for an expanded range of job categories was an expected move from the Government, the Bermuda Employers’ Council said yesterday.

Keith Jensen, the president of the BEC, said that the group was “not surprised, in the current economic circumstances, that certain work permit categories are being tightened”.

Jason Hayward, the labour minister, announced the moratorium on Monday, when 41 job titles were added to the list.

A dozen job categories, ranging from taxi driving to cashier, are already off-limits to foreign workers.

Mr Hayward said change, in response to increasing layoffs of Bermudians in the Covid-19 crisis, would not affect renewals of existing work permits.

Mr Jensen said: “As the business community digests Minister Hayward’s decision on the additional categories being included in the closed list, questions on implementation and the impact will arise and we look ahead to clarifying such matters.”

The additional closed categories will remain in force until April 30 next year.

Mr Jensen added: “We anticipate that the categories will be periodically reviewed according to industry conditions.

“Mr Hayward has been available for consultation with stakeholders and that is so important during these unprecedented times.”