Concerns over pot washers who were reportedly given short notice periods to quit their jobs were “largely manufactured in the media,” according to a Government Senator.

In August 2010, Government imposed a work permit moratorium for landscape gardeners, cleaners, kitchen porters and bar porters. All work permit applications for such jobs were put on hold.

In February 2012, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Patrice Minors told Parliament that about 25 of the assistants had been told to leave after their employers failed in appeals to keep them.

Teresa Chatfield, co-chair of Restaurant Division of the Chamber of Commerce commented that the decision left some restaurants in “disarray”.

“Their kitchen assistants have to finish in the next two weeks to a month and replacing them at short notice is extremely tough, a situation made worse by the fact that most restaurants are probably operating under full strength,” she said.

Government did not respond at that time when asked for figures on pot washers and work permit appeals.

During the Budget debate, Opposition Senator Michael Dunkley inquired: “Has there been any resolution to the pot washer scenario played out in the media, that they had until the end of the week (to leave)?”

Sen Burt replied: “That’s a situation which was created by the wonderful people of

The Royal Gazette. Some kitchen porters have been refused and some have continued. The situation was largely manufactured in the media.”

He did not provide any figures on the number of appeals upheld and refused.