Labour Minister David Burch yesterday announced an initiative to help Bermuda's workforce prepare for changes being made to the work environment.

The initiative, which was announced at a press conference, will come in the form of a meeting called "Employee of The Future Forum". Hosted by the Department of Labour and Training and moderated by Dr. Derrick Binns, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, the forum is designed to help workers become more employable, effective, productive and retainable.

According to Senator Burch, the forum is a continuation of the Ministry's "Taking it to the People" initiative launched last summer and was created by Major Wayne Smith, the new Director of Labour and Training.

Sen. Burch said: "We have heard the cries of employers and we intend to address the work ethic of persons in the workforce, who do not create the conditions such that employers can run successful and profitable organisations."

Presenting at the forum will be a host of local business people and employment experts.

"The target audience is both employees and employers, because we understand that workforce development is indeed a partnership," said Sen. Burch. "Everyone is welcome to attend the forum. We plan to empower and equip both employees and employers with strategies that will create a better work ethic among employees and a workplace that is characterised by mutual trust, integrity, honesty and harmonious industrial relations."

The "Employee of the Future" forum will take place at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, at the Berkeley Institute Auditorium.

The event will be hosted by Mr. Burch and admission is free. Call 297-7654 for more details.