part of an overhaul of labour laws.

The booklet will include clear guidelines on grievance procedures.

Government hopes the move will cut workplace friction and encourage trust.

And it plans to inform the House of Assembly shortly of the proposal.

The Bermuda Employers Council (BEC) has long campaigned for the idea, including it in its annual report this year.

In the report, president Mr. Michael J. Lohan stated a "code of conduct'' would "reduce confrontation, and stimulate dialogue between the social partners.'' The code should back up minimal, sensible labour legislation, he said.

"Our continued efforts have started to bear fruit; as the Government has promised a major revision of labour legislation in the coming year.'' Mr. Lohan also stated the BEC had been encouraging members to react positively to the recession.

It has urged employers to offer retraining to staff in readiness for an economic upturn, he added.

Yesterday Labour Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman supported a code of ethics.

And he revealed he would be discussing the idea next Thursday with the Labour Advisory Council.

"I hope to have it in place by June next year,'' he said.

Mr. Pearman said he believed a code of ethics could play a big part in easing tensions at work, and creating trust.

"A lot of the problems at work are down to lack of trust.'' Mr. Pearman said the booklet would act as guide to labour relations, and would probably not be legally binding.

Mr. Malcolm Dixon, executive director of the BEC, said clear guidance on grievance procedures was badly needed. "We feel a code would clear the air,'' he said.