Guardwell Security spoke out yesterday following media coverage of the dispute between the company and its Airport staff over missing pension funds.

However, while saying the company is taking the ?necessary corrective measures to resolve human resource issues?, a spokeswoman last night declined to comment on what those measures entail and when the company hoped to have the dispute sorted out.

She also declined to specify a reason for why thousands of dollars were not paid into the pension funds of Airport staff.

A Press release did reveal, however, that Guardwell is considering expansion and has hired a security consultant to review policies and procedures ? including human resource needs.

Staff gave a 21-day strike notice as anger over thousands of dollars of missing pension money increased. The 21-day warning expires on May 9.

Staff have also claimed they are owed back pay following a pay rise, a claim the company reportedly has said will be covered within eight weeks.

?Guardwell is committed to managing its staff in a professional manner,? the spokeswoman said yesterday.

?As a small business operating in Bermuda, we have our share of managerial challenges, but this is not unlike many other small businesses on the Island. It is our intention to work through these challenges with diligence.

?In our attempts to position the company for further expansion, we are looking to upgrade our services, technology and administrative efficiency. To this end the company is using the services of a security consultant to review procedures, policies, delegation of responsibilities and duties and human resource needs.

?We have been managing the security contract at the Bermuda International Airport for four years now. The management of the Airport contract was uncharted territory for us initially, but with the experience that we have gained from managing the contract, we have been able to better position ourselves to rise to the security challenges that have arisen in the aftermath of September 11.

?We view the securing of the Airport contract as a privilege and a testament to the fact that a small business can, if given the opportunity, prove themselves capable of handling complex and demanding Government contracts.?