by breaking the confidentiality of a complaint.

Shadow Labour and Home Affairs Minister Mr. Alex Scott alleged that a Bermudian was sacked from Henry VIII Pub & Restaurant after manager Mr. Andrew Allan learned from an Immigration official that he had made a complaint against the restaurant.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman said he could not comment on the specific case. But he did say complaints were to be handled in confidence, and a breach would be "a serious matter''.

"Until such time as the matter is fully investigated, I'm obviously not in a position to comment, nor would I,'' Mr. Pearman said.

In a news release, Mr. Scott said the Henry VIII employee "allegedly met with a less than helpful reception'' when he sought "advice and assistance'' from the Immigration Department.

The employee, who Mr. Scott did not identify, was told: "You shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you,'' he said.

The Immigration official also allegedly asked: "Do you really want to give me this information?'' The official then reportedly called Henry VIII and revealed to management that the employee had made a complaint.

When the employee telephoned the Ministry to find out what progress had been made, the official told him: "Mr. Allan is going to deal with you.'' At work, Mr. Allan is said to have sought the employee out and told him he had no right to go to Immigration.

"And at that point he was terminated, and threatened with court action for saying something to the Ministry,'' Mr. Scott said.

The allegation is supported by a letter Mr. Allan sent the employee about his termination, he said.

Mr. Scott said he was "deeply concerned'' by the complaint and wanted a meeting with Mr. Pearman.

If the Ministry confirmed the allegation, it might be a case in which Government should bring a wrongful dismissal suit against the company, he said.

The employee might also want to bring civil action against both the Immigration officer and Mr. Pearman, he said.

Chief Immigration Officer Mr. Neville Smith, who was not the official named in the letter from Mr. Allan cited by Mr. Scott, could not be reached for comment yesterday.