Some jobs are not being properly advertised when the position becomes vacant in order for employers to take on guest workers on a lower wage than Bermudians, claims the Bermuda Public Services Union's general secretary Ed Ball.

Mr. Ball said that a number of employers were deliberately undervaluing wages for certain job classifications so they could apply to the Immigration Department for work permits rather than taking on locals.

He added that it was important for employees to work to their full potential and not take liberties in order to protect their jobs.

This follows the announcement that almost 40 jobs will be cut with the Bermuda Telephone Company looking to trim its staff base by 25 and HomeZone set to close at the end of this month with the loss of 14 positions, as reported in The Royal Gazette yesterday.

Mr. Ball also called for any Bermudians who had been made redundant or were working reduced hours since 2009 to register their job status with the Department of Labour and Training in Reid Street in order to allow all parties to have an understanding of the impact of the economic downturn on the Island's workforce.

He said that from his experience, some were not registering their details, but it was also up to the employers to do so as well, adding that Government needed to keep a current month-by-month record of the unemployment statistics instead of just an annual figure. "We would think that Bermudians who have families, bills to pay, etc. would want to have a living wage and that jobs that historically are now being filled by guest workers, may need to be offered to Bermudians," he said.

"It is unthinkable to have Bermudians out of work in their own country whilst yearly work permits are being granted to guest workers because Bermudians are failing to or do not wish to apply for these jobs."

Mr. Ball also questioned what had happened to the $1 million supposedly set aside in unemployment insurance by former Finance Minister Eugene Cox.

Asked if he knew of any instances where employers were not advertising available positions properly, Mr. Ball said: "Personally, I am aware of some jobs that are not and scenarios that have taken place."

Mr. Ball said that it was also crucial for employees and employers alike to understand that a probation was a period of evaluation for both sides and for staff to adopt the right approach to work.

"In terms of work ethic, certainly under this climate, there is a need for people to protect their jobs and that means you make your time and you are there to work," he said.

"Persons who would usually call in sick and call in late may soon find themselves without a job.

"During periods of a downturn, employers have more rein over employees than times when the economy is flourishing."