PLP backbencher Dale Butler is calling for sensitivity training for foreign managers to calm down friction in the workplace and protect jobs for Bermudians.

He said he had been shocked at the anger Bermudians displayed at meetings on the Long Term Residents Green Paper.

He said it was the result of frustration which had been building for a long time and said too many foreign managers were bypassing or removing Bermudians.

He said: "A sensitivity programme would show foreign managers how to work with Bermudians and get the best out of them.

He said: "I asked people at the end of the meeting and resentment came out to people who have moved here in the last year -- mainly in management roles.'' Asked about sensitivity training, Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation General Manager William Spriggs said companies large and small needed to keep their pulse on the feelings of their employees.

He said: "They need feedback systems to give data on their operations. So if Bermudians, or expats for that matter, are being treated unfairly there is a mechanism to report the problem.'' Mr. Butler went on to identify other causes of resentment among the local population.

He said: "This frustration has been building in Bermuda for a long time -- the issue has nothing to do with long term residents, they see this as an additional issue.'' He said: "There's absolutely no housing for the average Bermudian.

"They are now told their children are not doing as well in education as they were led to believe.

He said of Thursday's meeting about long term residents in Somerset: "Frustration was running around the room. It's another nail in the coffin.'' He said the concept of bringing in the "best of the best'' foreign workers inflamed local feeling.

He said: "When Bermudians hear that we don't have enough capable people they go bananas.'' Asked whether foreigners could be blamed for the number of houses or the quality of education in Bermuda Mr. Butler said those issues were being addressed by the PLP Government.

He said the Government's 100 houses programme was a great start. He said: "Obviously private housing will make a contribution. "Education is going to take a while before you see the results. It will be three years before the new Berkeley is up.''