Layoffs at the Baker’s Bay Ocean and Golf Club in Abaco occurred on Monday, according to Director of Labour John Pinder, who admitted that he is concerned over the matter which took place as the island recovers from Hurricane Dorian.  

Not sure of the exact number of workers laid-off, Pinder revealed that the government was aware of the layoffs. 

He added that it was indicated to the minister of labour that some 83 people were affected. 

“We’re hoping that insurances will pay quickly and people can quickly rebuild and get employers to re-engage their employees,” Pinder said.

He suspects that the unemployment rate will reach the low double digits or may even go up by two percent for a short period of time as some will be involved in rebuilding.

“A number of persons will now be re-engaged in maybe a different capacity to help with the rebuilding because I know Treasure Cay had offer some of their employees employment to help with the cleanup efforts,” Pinder said.

“So I expect for that duplicate itself in other business were they would probably ask its members, staff members, to assist them in cleanup and rebuilding those with who have necessary skill sets.”

Pinder estimated that the recovery timeline for labour will be up to six months in Grand Bahama while 12 to 18 months for Abaco, as businesses were destroyed and have lost their stocks.

The director of labour said he also saw an increase in persons signing-up with the jobs bank after Hurricane Dorian. 

The Ministry of Labour is still trying to find employment for the 9.5 percent of residents who were unemployed before the storm.