passing the blame.

That's the view of English barrister and labour relations expert Sir Ian Percival QC.

The way forward lies with bridging gap between management and unions, he said.

But it was wrong to expect Government to find the answers -- the key was improving human relations.

Sir Ian, the UK's former Solicitor General (1979-83), also threw a question mark over compulsory arbitration. It had a poor reputation in other countries, including Britain.

But Sir Ian stopped short of ruling it out for Bermuda, a small community with special problems.

Sir Ian, with vast experience of labour legislation, has been on a whirlwind fact-finding tour of Bermuda.

He was invited by Mr. David Lines, chairman of the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan's Commission on Employment.

His whirlwind trip has involved talks with the BIU, the Bermuda Public Services Association and employers.

Sir Ian, who leaves today, will provide recommendations for Sir John's employment task force.

But at a Cabinet Office Press conference yesterday he kept his cards extremely close to his chest.

"First I'm going to think about what I've heard. That doesn't sound very exciting, but it's something people very often don't do.

"I've had some very interesting discussions. Hopefully I can make some useful suggestions in the context of Bermuda. I'm not going to say what they are now.'' Sir Ian stressed he was an independent voice, and not here to tell "everybody what to do.'' The key to solving industrial problems was improving human relations.

"From my experience it's the same here as everywhere else in the world. Most people are blaming somebody else, and everybody is blaming Government. That's par for the course.'' Sir Ian said the law had a role to play, but it was a "pipe dream'' to expect it to solve problems on its own.

"The first thing which a Government has to do is identify what areas the law may help.'' Sir Ian also emphasised the importance of not viewing labour problems as a race issue.

In England, some people had tried to see industrial difficulties in class terms.

But the tendency to split everything between working and upper class was outdated.

Sir Ian said management and unions had equally crucial roles in cementing labour relations.

But he believed there was "a terrible feeling of frustration'' on both sides bedevilling the Bermuda's industrial scene.

"There is an awful lack of trust. I think the feeling is that there is bridge that has to be crossed.'' On arbitration, Sir Ian said it had a poor track record.

He highlighted the bitter 1984-85 coal dispute in Britain, which brought violence to the streets.

Sir Ian said Government had stayed out of the row, only stepping in to ensure non-strikers were able to get to work without intimidation.

It was important for management and unions to solve their own differences.

Arbitration encouraged an inclination by both sides to let "somebody else'' find a solution, said Sir Ian.

"Whether or not it is right for Bermuda I wouldn't like to say at this stage.'' Sir Ian Percival QC.