Labour Minister David Burch has recorded a television broadcast to reassure viewers that Government is "enacting a multi-pronged strategy" for tackling "the worst economic situation in more than 50 years".

The Minister filmed the segment for VSB channel 11 to advertise a series of public meetings, including one this evening (Tuesday).The programme was due to air at 8 p.m. last night but did not. A Labour Ministry spokeswoman said: "We are disappointed that it didn't run at the scheduled time and we would just encourage people to come out for the meetings."Sen. Burch says in the broadcast, the script of which was provided to The Royal Gazette, that job security has become a major and constant worry due to the global economic downturn."While so far Bermuda has remained relatively unscathed by the economic crunch, we are by no means immune.

In recent months, Bermuda has seen its share of workforce redundancies due to the economic downturn. "And for me as a Bermudian and the Minister responsible for labour, it is distressing to see anyone lose their job."The Minister says six meetings will be held as part of a new initiative from his Ministry:Taking it to the People Empowering Workers Through Partnership.

"Simply put, we are bringing you our message about how Government plans to assist you in these challenging times," says Sen. Burch.Private sector representatives will attend the forums, alongside civil servants from the National Training Board, the Department of Labour and Training, Bermuda Housing Corporation, Department of Court Services, Human Resource Department, Works and Engineering, Child and Family Services and Financial Assistance will be on hand at the forums.

"Whether it's job placement, job training, career advice, child care, financial assistance or mortgage advice, we've got you covered with a number of programmes to ease your concerns and provide you with assistance,"says the Minister.He also refers to Bermuda First, a group created by Government to review the Island's economy to try to stave off any major effects of the worldwide financial crisis.

And he says the Finance Minister has been working hard to ensure that international business and local companies have the best possible support from Government.

Tonight's meeting is from 6.45 p.m. to 9 p.m. at St. James Church Hall, Somerset. Details of further meetings this month and next are still to be announced.VSBcould not be contacted for comment last night.