Government’s efforts to improve the job market are bearing fruit according to Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy, but much work still must be done.Along with continuing work on creating a National Training Plan for the Island, Sen Fahy cited the Summer Employment Programme and revisions to the work permit policy as part of the Government’s efforts to create job opportunities.“We acknowledge that we have an economy which is still very much in a precarious state, however we are working towards nurturing and stimulating an environment which leads towards job creation,” he said.“In fact, some positive signs of this can already be seen with the recent announcement that there was a record number of international companies on the Bermuda register for the first quarter this year, so we believe that confidence is returning regarding the Bermuda economy.“Overall, we are committed to preserving, protecting and providing jobs for all Bermudians. We see all of these initiatives as part of a multi-pronged plan to address our unemployment challenges. And they are bearing fruit.”Sen Fahy said yesterday that Government understands the importance of providing opportunities for young Bermudians entering the work force, and said the Ministry has been working hard to ensure access to jobs for all Bermudians.Sen Fahy said: “Since the election we have committed to modernising the work permit policy — which will ensure that there is a balanced focus on training and development so unemployed and underemployed Bermudians are provided with the right avenues and tools for training leading to improved employment prospects.“The introduction of payroll tax relief for employers who hire new Bermudian employees has produced some encouraging results as a direct result of this policy.“The renaming of the Workforce Development Department and the drafting of a National Training Plan are other clear indicators of our commitment to address not only the challenges with youth unemployment, but with the Island’s overall unemployment concerns.“The Department of Workforce Development is working in collaboration with employers and job seekers to meet the needs of Bermuda’s labour market.”He noted specifically the Summer Employment Programme, which he described as a huge success with 150 students taking part and gaining workplace experience in both the private and public sector.Sen Fahy said that the Government has made “significant strides” towards developing the National Training Plan.“This Plan will be critical to the continual improvement of workforce planning in Bermuda and the establishment of a common framework for discussions on future workforce numbers,” he said.“It will enable Bermuda to move from its largely uncoordinated workforce training regime to the adoption of a short and long-term view, enabling Bermuda to become more self-sufficient in the supply of human resources to support and sustain our economy and more importantly, positioning us for economic growth.“Ultimately we see this plan as fulfilling our goals of ensuring that Bermuda moves to a place of reducing our reliance on overseas labour in many sectors because we will have carefully considered the future needs of the economy and developed our people accordingly.”He called on all unemployed Bermudians to register with the Department of Workforce Development if they haven’t already so the Department can help them.Earlier this week, acting president of the Bermuda Public Service Union Jason Hayward said action must be taken to address the youth unemployment rate, estimated to be around 36 percent.“This statistic is alarming and this demographic group within our population needs immediate attention,” said Mr Hayward. “The BPSU will not waiver on its commitment to the young workers within its members and will continue to raise the awareness on Bermuda’s tragic youth unemployment.”