Govt: 420 New Bermudian Hires From Tax Break

November 7, 2013

[Updated with PLP response] According to Minister of Finance Bob Richards, some 420 new Bermudian hires have been reported following the passing of the Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2013.

Minister Richards said: “Based on preliminary data, I am pleased to report that, between April 1st, 2013 and September 30th, a total of 420 new Bermudian hires have been reported in relation to the two year payroll tax holiday for the new Bermudian hiring initiative that the Government introduced effective April 1st 2013. Clearly the stimulative measures taken by this Government to encourage and promote the employment of Bermudians is bearing fruit.”

Minister Richards explained that the two year payroll tax holiday for new Bermudian hiring was one of the tax initiatives introduced in the 2013/2014 National Budget to stimulate economic activity and employment.

A Ministry spokesperson said, “It is pleasing to note that this proposal has clearly met its primary policy objective to promote job creation in our economy, specifically Bermudian jobs. The bill also stipulated that a person had to be unemployed for 3 months before they qualified for the exemption – thereby encouraging employers to hire Bermudians who were most in need of employment.”

Minister Richards added: “I am confident that during the next year and a half many more Bermudians will find employment as we work with the private sector to promote jobs and opportunity and get our economy back on track.”

When the Payroll Tax Holiday was announced earlier this year, Minister Richards said: “This tax holiday lowers the marginal cost to an employer for a new Bermudian hiring. I will remind Bermudians that only an employer can create a job.

“The payroll tax cost to the employer for any new Bermudian hire will be zero, although the portion of the tax normally deducted from the employee will take place as usual, like any other worker. This will be an incentive for employers to hire Bermudians. This tax holiday will not be available to employers for their existing Bermudian employees.”

Update 2.07pm: While commending those who have found employment, Shadow Finance Minister David Burt said the figures do not actually mean 420 new jobs were created.

Mr Burt said, “The figures released today by the Minister of Finance must be put into perspective. The Payroll Tax Exemption provides a tax break for any Bermudian who is hired, who may have been previously unemployed for 3 months or more. For the Bermudians who this applies to, congratulations! It is a tough job market, so you are to be commended for doing what it takes to secure employment.

“However, this does not mean 420 new jobs were created. Many of these hires are to fill vacancies caused by retirement or regular turnover in the job market [terminations/resignations]. Also, many of the jobs were seasonal/temporary jobs, in tourism related industries as we saw from the figures released in August.

“Additionally, it must be pointed out that tourism related industries [Hotels, Retail, Restaurants, Bars] have all enjoyed payroll tax breaks prior to this measure being introduced. Hiring in these areas provide no additional tax benefit to the employer and according to the august figures, these industries make up 45% of the new claims.

“We hope that the Minister releases a complete breakdown of the figures so we can see the specific industries that have benefited. I also call on the Minister to tell the public specifically how many new jobs have been created by this policy.

“What is most important to Bermudians who are without work, are plans to stimulate the local economy to create new jobs for Bermudians. The OBA have failed to produce any plan to create new Bermudian jobs while our local economy continues to suffer under the weight of job losses, outsourcing, and shrinking paycheques.

“Statistics mean nothing to the people out of work and who are losing their jobs due to the OBAs inaction on a jobs plan for Bermudians,” concluded Mr Burt.

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Comments (86)

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  1. watching says:

    Great news! now what about the rest of the unemployed?

    • CommonSensenBda says:

      So now the bar has been set to ALL THE UNEMPLOYED MUST BE EMPLOYED before you are willing to give the OBA ANY CREDIT?

      INTERESTING.

      • Mazumbo says:

        Thanks Burt for clearing this up, nice try Bob you almost fooled them like your pre-election pitch! LMAO

    • Betty Trump says:

      READ CAREFULLY ! I THINK YOU WILL GET IT>>THERE ARE NO NEW JOBS CREATED>>> INFLATED NUMBERS ONLY BY THE OBAUBP !! REALLY !!

      “However, this does not mean 420 new jobs were created. Many of these hires are to fill vacancies caused by retirement or regular turnover in the job market [terminations/resignations].

      Mr Burt said, “The figures released today by the Minister of Finance must be put into perspective. The Payroll Tax Exemption provides a tax break for any Bermudian who is hired, who may have been previously unemployed for 3 months or more. For the Bermudians who this applies to, congratulations! It is a tough job market, so you are to be commended for doing what it takes to secure employment.

      “However, this does not mean 420 new jobs were created. Many of these hires are to fill vacancies caused by retirement or regular turnover in the job market [terminations/resignations]. Also, many of the jobs were seasonal/temporary jobs, in tourism related industries as we saw from the figures released in August.

    • Betty Trump says:

      FALSE NUMBERS REPORTED BY THE OBAUBP AGAIN>>>WOW THEY MUST BE REALLY TRYING TO COME UP WITH A PLAN OR HOW TO TRICK FOOLS< rather than provide real hard evident based data…

      NO NEW JOBS< please do your homework and this will become evident.

      • Hmmm says:

        what homework did you do?

        Come on, show us. Show us your detailed research.

        Got NONE have you.

      • Watching says:

        No fools left to trick! The PLOP Party already did that!

  2. markus says:

    I’ll smoke to that

  3. jt says:

    For Betty: 2000 – 420 = 1580

    • Antione Dodson says:

      Nope, not 420 New Jobs!

      • Suzie Quattro says:

        420 previously unemployed Bermudians have jobs.

        I’m sure the PLP hate to hear that news, but actually most Bermudians will be very happy about it.

        • Glenn says:

          Anyone notice the lack of reporting on current redundancies, projected redundancies, business closures, job lay-offs etc.
          I bet these numbers heavily out-weigh a mere 420!

      • jt says:

        So we now have parameters for Bermudians getting jobs who previously did not have one – I see – have to keep an eye n those goalposts I guess.

        • jt says:

          Some people don’t want foreigners here with jobs and then when these 420 jobs are created for Bemrudians they say ‘ya, but are they new jobs or ones vacated by foreigners?’. Seems like they can’t make up there mind whether to be anti-foreigner or anti-OBA.

          • Mike Hind says:

            Oh, I think it’s pretty clear that it’s all about anti-OBA above everything else.

    • Betty Trump says:

      READ CAREFULLY ! I THINK YOU WILL GET IT>>THERE ARE NO NEW JOBS CREATED>>> INFLATED NUMBERS ONLY BY THE OBAUBP !! REALLY !!

      “However, this does not mean 420 new jobs were created. Many of these hires are to fill vacancies caused by retirement or regular turnover in the job market [terminations/resignations].

      Mr Burt said, “The figures released today by the Minister of Finance must be put into perspective. The Payroll Tax Exemption provides a tax break for any Bermudian who is hired, who may have been previously unemployed for 3 months or more. For the Bermudians who this applies to, congratulations! It is a tough job market, so you are to be commended for doing what it takes to secure employment.

      “However, this does not mean 420 new jobs were created. Many of these hires are to fill vacancies caused by retirement or regular turnover in the job market [terminations/resignations]. Also, many of the jobs were seasonal/temporary jobs, in tourism related industries as we saw from the figures released in August.

      • Mike Hind says:

        Does this matter? 420 Bermudians that didn’t have jobs now do.
        These jobs are new to them.

        How is this NOT a good thing?

        This semantics nonsense is the lowest you’ve fallen… and that’s saying something.

        • DarkSideofTheMoon says:

          Mike Hind I appreciate your comments when I see them and I appreciate it now. Maybe they did create 420 jobs. But how many jobs were lost in the same time period is the million dollar question.

          • Mike Hind says:

            No. It’s not. It’s just more propagandic distraction.

            420 new hires is a good thing, no matter how you slice it.

            • DarkSideofTheMoon says:

              So you are saying that if 420 people got hired and 420 people got let go, thats a good thing? I don’t know how many people where laid off during the same time period, but people did get laid off. You can’t say you are making the economy grow, when it is shrinking elsewhere. I mean if I got paid $1000, but incurred a $1000 bill, would you still say I am better off financially? Or am I still in the same place. I just want to know what “bill” was incurred before I praise the government for their claim of “improving the economy.” If there was a net gain then cudos to them. Praise goes to where it is due. They are supposed to be transparent and this is not.

              • Mike Hind says:

                Not what I said at all. You’re making things up again.

                But, yes. If our net loss is 0%, then yes, it’s a good thing.

                If you made $1000 and used it to pay off a debt, then yes. You ARE better off, financially, because you are not in debt. You still made $1000 AND you paid of your creditors.

                That’s how it works.

                (And just because they aren’t answering questions you personally are asking on a news forum – and not to them directly – doesn’t mean they aren’t transparent.)

      • Kangoocar says:

        Anything rum swizzle Burt says has to be taken as a joke!!!! Somehow I am not surprised you are quoting him!!!

  4. yesman says:

    Can you attach the official numbers because my BS detector went ringing off the hook.

    I would like to see how many hires and in what industries and the comparison to the previous period.

    I find 420 very hard to believe.

  5. DarkSideofTheMoon says:

    If it is true that 420 jobs were created, bravo. But the question that lingers is, how many Bermudians were laid off during these same six months.

    • CommonSensenBda says:

      YET NOT SO MUCH AS ONE COMPLAINT AS THE UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES REACHED 12% UNDER THE PLP.

      CONGRATULATION PLP……WHAT WAS YOUR PLAN FOR GETTING THOSE 7,800 EMPLOYED?

      • DarkSideofTheMoon says:

        The PLP is sooooo 2012, please join us in 2013…

        • Mike Hind says:

          or…

          “Shhhh! Stop talking about the past 14 years that got us to where we’re at.
          Only talk about the fact that the OBA hasn’t fixed it in less than a year.”

          • DarkSideofTheMoon says:

            No they cannot fix everything and they are doing some things to try and fix it. But how can they throw numbers out there with nothing to back it up? That’s what I am getting at.

            • Mike Hind says:

              What you said had NOTHING to do with “how can they throw numbers out there with nothing to back it up?”
              Come on.

      • Betty Trump says:

        First of all, the OBAubp have been spreading false numbers and data over the past several months. I think this is just another example of them doing the same thing now..REALLY how and why are you letting this OBAubp government fool you. This seems like a desperate attempt to reach their goal and so they are now hoodwinking you with false data again. REALLY I suggest you do some research, and gather the hard data to support this number. WHERE IS THE EVIDENT? NO WHERE TO BE FOUND>>IF SO PRINT IT>

        But guess your blindfaithfulness would allow you to fall for anything they put in your face…oooh dearest one…

        • DarkSideofTheMoon says:

          Get em Betty!! Open their eyes!

        • Hmmm says:

          Pathetic Betty. Your propaganda is so pathetic

          • Betty Trump says:

            . ARE they newly created jobs, or old existing jobs? Of so I think everyone can see that NO NEW JOBS have been CREATED by the OBAubp, so the information presented by the Minister is very mis-leading. One must be careful how they present data. It can be read in the wrong context and fool folks into believing that suddenly OBAubp created new jobs… A government has to be just as the OBAubp promoted…TRANSPARENT AND HONEST>… these are the buzz words of the OBAubp, I am just holding them to it….after all they are the govt who promised us this new found faith…

            Much Love after all.

            • Mike Hind says:

              Seriously.

              Do you really think anyone’s going to fall for this silliness?

            • Jon says:

              Governments don’t create jobs. It’s a simplistic but fundamentally important point. Here’s where 2000 jobs were promised:

              “The OBA turnaround plan will create 2,000 jobs over the next five years by implementing pro-growth economic policies.

              This release is just trying to show that the tax break is a pro-growth policy. That’s it.

        • Mike Hind says:

          “First of all, the OBAubp have been spreading false numbers and data over the past several months.”

          When?

          • Mike Hind says:

            Yet another example of “Betty” saying something, then running away with “her” tail between “her” legs when asked to back it up.

            The honesty is weak with this one.

        • Kangoocar says:

          So, you saw no problem with your plp spreading very damaging lies in their last 2 yrs of power about the economy, all the while many of your plp supporters were being dumped into the unemployment line??? Get real betty you are nothing short of a farce!!!!

          • Betty Trump says:

            Kangoocar..your still down in the outback jumping up an down and following the OBAubp blindly? Wow I thought you had learnt to hop in the right direction by now…ahahah

            Transparency, honesty is what your OBAubp promised us, why not hold them accountable to that. After all why are you now willing to give OBAubp a get of jail card free, while crushing others down. Excuse the OBAubp, yet call the PLP all kinds of names…REALLY !! I think you need to turn the Mirror on yourself and take a good look… aaa

            Just want honest reporting of data, in the correct context, I do not ask for much, as I think this is what is expected of the government of the day !! I would have thought you would ask for correct reporting as well. Whats wrong with asking for that? Was it because your uncle bob is caught out? What’s the problem with this…..Kangoocar….sleep tight…

            • Anon Ymous says:

              ….and because PLP never promised transparency and honesty we shouldn’t have expected it or held our elected officials to those things?!?

              • Mike Hind says:

                They did promise it. “The sunshine of public scrutiny” they called it. It never happened.

                Transparency is only necessary from other people.

                “It’s ok when we do it”, yet again.

  6. Bermuda boy says:

    Thank you OBA! Great job.

  7. Jay Maloy says:

    Putting 420 in this article is so misleading. haha

    I thought they legalised it.

  8. Suzie Quattro says:

    Great news.

    • Betty Trump says:

      HOw can false data be reported as GREAT NEWs, wow your that blind also to follow such info. WHERE IS THE REAL HARD DATA TO SUPPORT THE FINDINGS??? NO WHERE> OOOOOH>>>I KNOW DEAREST ONE>>>

      • Sandy Bottom says:

        You hate it that the OBA is creating jobs, while the PLP destroyed them.

    • Betty Trump says:

      However, this does not mean 420 new jobs were created. Many of these hires are to fill vacancies caused by retirement or regular turnover in the job market [terminations/resignations]. Also, many of the jobs were seasonal/temporary jobs, in tourism related industries as we saw from the figures released in August.

      • Sandy Bottom says:

        Betty, 420 people hired. I know how much you hate it, but hundreds of previously unemployed Bermudians now have jobs.

        • Betty Trump says:

          I have nothing but LOVE in my heart for ya…

          But I do believe that any government should provided its people with Factual data, to support what they are putting out there to the public. ALL people should hold their government accountable and ask key Questions, after all the OBAupb did promise that they would be TRANSPARENT> Asking Questions in regards to this sudden number of jobs is very important. I think I would be most happy if this was true, especially for folks whom are out of work…but this leaves open several Questions.

          The information presented by the OBAubp seems to be very much mis-leading. I think NO person should follow blindly and fail to ask key Questions. We must think critically and evaluate any info put out there by the Government of the day? It does not mean they hate, but more so they are expressing a deep level of concern. So do not get the 2 mixed-up.

          There are key Questions that this information presented by the government leaves wide open. Mr. Burt has indicated this very clearly. For anyone to dismiss it, just because the OBAubp did it, is not thinking maturely. I am seeking data to support Mr. Richard’s new found so called jobs. ARE they newly created jobs, or old existing jobs? If so he has presented the information in the wrong manner and is mis-leading the public. What is it your failing to get? May be if you took off your Political hat for a minute I think you and other will eventually get it…

          • Sandy Bottom says:

            420 previously unemployed Bermudians have jobs Betty.

            Makes the PLP look inept doesn’t it.

            • Betty Trump says:

              Only if the OBAubp really did create NEW JOBS, but this is not the case…what part you having difficulty understanding, I am sure your smarter than a kindergarten, who gets it…Figures are mis-representing the real facts as presented by your OBAubp Minister…REALLY WAKE UP NOW>.

              • Mike Hind says:

                You’re the one that keeps saying “NEW JOBS”.

                And you’re the one who won’t show that they figures are false.

                The only thing being misrepresented here is the truth. By you.

  9. Next says:

    Lies, fairytales and fallacies.

    • Sisu says:

      You probably believe in god too, right?

      • DarkSideofTheMoon says:

        Actually Next has a point. I won’t go as far as it being lies, but they have put no evidence out there. Nor have they said how many people where laid off over the same time period so we can see the net job gain/loss. Interesting you ask him/her if they believe in god. As an atheist, I do not believe in god because there is no evidence, but I take from your comment you believe the OBA without evidence…which is peculiar based on your response…

        • Raaz says:

          What evidence do you want. Contracts? STFU or get a point

          • DarkSideofTheMoon says:

            Why are you cursing at me? What is wrong with you?

      • Next says:

        I believe you’re an idiot. How about that?

  10. bullett says:

    @BETTY TRUM(pet) Why don’t you go and find the missing brain cell you so desperately need. I don’t think I have ever read a more biased single minded, blind, hypocrite in my life. At least it is 420 people working. It is a start at least, no matter what new employees or whatever. No thanks to your party that created the problems we are now facing.

  11. DarkSideofTheMoon says:

    So now the PLP has made a statement. They claim that some of these jobs are seasonal (which means they will go away in the slow season) and filling vacancies. All this is plausible. But the question still remains, where are the numbers? How can we believe what either is saying if they will not give us a breakdown? Ugh this is frustrating!

  12. Alvin Williams says:

    400 new jobs hey? at this rate the anti-Bermuda one term OBA government will still be short of the 2.000 jobs they promise by the time the Bermudian people kick them out of power. Not to mention the Bermudian unemployment rate that has now climb above 4,000.

    • Mike Hind says:

      actually… that’s pretty much exactly on track.

      I know you’re looking for chances to use your catchphrase, but you have to remember that words… you know… mean things.

      “At this rate”, even if these were the only new hires this year (which they aren’t), 420 x 5 = 2,100.

      So… yet again… you’re wrong.

    • haha says:

      vote the plp back in again…haha you must be jokin. go broke again, lmfao ya ritteee!!

      • Betty Trump says:

        Who just increase our debt level in less than 5 months… OBAubp…the PLP took 14 long slow years to do that… and yet your OBAUbp one term govt, promised us they will decrease our debt level…REALLY !!

        I would not jump in great joy yet…. as they have not done much and the way things are going there may be more than 4000 or higher seeking jobs… lets not get ahead of yourself…still rocky waters yet to go…. Folks are still seeking jobs…. After all the data presented is mis-leading and presented in the wrong context. Guess they know their fans would eat it up and not Question any thing? Throw them a bone and they would bite it regardless…aaaaaahhhhhh REALLY

        • Hmmm says:

          Goes to show how how damaging the arrogant, and clueless PLP were. Thank God they were removed by our votes, or we would still be going Blindly to hell.

        • Anon Ymous says:

          The building momentum of overspending and unsustainability over “14 long slow years” does not just stop because the responsible party leave office; the inertia of drains on the economy (such as an over inflated civil service and unemployment assistance, for example) remain to be ‘supported’ long after election day. More borrowing was inevitable for whomever was governing after December 2012.

    • Kangoocar says:

      So alvin, not only are you a socialist I now can see that math is is another weakness of yours?? I will do the math for you being you seem to suffer from the same ailments of the rest of the plp and and ther supporters!!! 420 X 5 = 2100… Hope that helps you in understanding your math??? Further more this only is what is recorded by the stats of a pro plp CS so do I really need to tell you that there is probably a significant number more also I would like to inform you that this does not take into account those employers that have hired Bermudians and not taken advantage of this tax break and I happen to be one of them!!! I know it will sound strange to you but not everyone takes and takes from government, I actually can afford too do my part for the economy and would rather die first before I took something that I did not need!! Again I know that is way over your way of thinking!!

    • Bermuda Male says:

      To Mr. Alvin Williams,

      1. Did or do you consider the PLP to be ‘anti-Bermudian’ due to the fact that during their reign they negotiated a 5% civil service payout with the Unions? Where was your righteous indignation back then? I mean you keep on calling the OBA ‘anti-Bermudian’ because of the 4.6% pay cut. So why didn’t you yammer on about the PLP Being anti-Bermudian back then?

      2. What is your view on the Unions who accepted the pay reduction as it was not simply pushed down the throats by the current Government?

      3. What is your view on Mr. Bean’s speech in which he stated that Bermudians need to stop being so over reliant on Government while also stating that the need to cut Government expenses is paramount and necessary?

  13. Watching says:

    No fools left to trick! The PLOP Party already did that!

    • Betty Trump says:

      Stop chewing off that false bone the OBAubp has thrown to you…. they knew they can throw their fans anything, and they will eat it…really…fool their fans, but not others who are willing to think critically and analyze the information that is thrown at them… Any one can see this data is mis-leading and presented and used in the wrong context…. really only a blind man can not read right through it..wake up dear followers.

  14. Watching says:

    Some of you people simply do not comprehend anything you read. You should ask yourself, how many jobs would NOT have been filled had it not been for this initiative? The fact is, 420 people have jobs. Well done OBA.

  15. GOD1ST says:

    @ Alvin Williams

    Looks like the PLP will be in opposition at least 10 years.

    Independence is looming, so get off of that political train wreck and move foward.

    • Betty Trump says:

      Becareful, do not sing a song of joy, as anything can happen in Politics, as 24 hours in politics is long day….much can happen within a few months…it is happening right now..but little do you know… change can come when one least expects it…

      Recall Sir John said OBAubp did not win by huge margin only a few votes. So PLP still has a huge following… more so the country is more divided under OBaubp than ever before… interesting observation by Sir John.

      • Hmmm says:

        It’s not about followings, teams or sides. It’s not a game, it is about doing what is needed for the future benefit of all Bermudians in an ethical, accountable and cost effective manner. The PLP proved repeatidly that they are incapable of doing this. Yet you sit all over the media blogs supporting the PLP.

        • haha says:

          because plp supporters, not all, act like dis is a competition, real talk. THIS IS NOT A F***IN GAME!!

        • Betty Trump says:

          @Hmmm,…Tell that to your OBAubp MPs I think they play the game best. With false reporting and unfair practices, yet they call for such buzz words such as Transparency, Honesty and Inclusion, but fail to live by their own words daily. Guess you forgot the mis-steps of this government over the past several months. They did not look so great, and this was by their own doings.

  16. Dreadlocks says:

    The PLP were good at making Bermudians lose jobs.

  17. GOD1ST says:

    Government will produce a public consultation paper on the decriminalization of marijuana and an examination of its wider uses.

  18. whataboutus says:

    420 is smoke weed time