The Bermuda Employers’ Council has backed the new labour minister’s plans to include employers and workers in discussions to kick-start the economy.

Keith Jensen, the president of the BEC, said: “This is the foundation of the tripartite system for consultation promoted by the International Labour Organisation.”

Mr Jensen said the three-pronged approach could have beneficial results with controversial subjects such as the review of labour legislation, work-permit policies and mixed-status families.

He said: “It will be vital to understand what the ‘new normal’ will be in the workplace due to the ongoing pandemic, and then relate this to issues of training and the future demand for jobs.

“The economic downturn facing the island will be the most difficult one in living memory and we all have to get through it.”

Mr Jensen was speaking after Jason Hayward said in the House of Assembly last Friday that he would “comprehensively engage employers, labour and government to reinvigorate the Bermuda economy, which benefits everyone”.

Mr Hayward also highlighted the importance of international business in employing Bermudians in a ministerial statement

Mr Jensen said: “Many countries are competing with us to be the jurisdiction of choice for international business and they are attempting to entice international business away from Bermuda. It is so important to our entire island that all residents need to ensure that we work together to keep it here and to expand it.

“In principle, everyone should agree that Bermuda has to be the first choice for both international business and for leisure visitors and a robust tripartite consultation system is an essential part of achieving it.”