Gonzi writes to construction companies

In the letter, Dr Gonzi asked the companies whether foreign construction workers who already had work permits and were supposed to train locals, had actually done the training.

Talking to The Business Times, Dr Gonzi said that over the last two years a number of work permits were granted to foreign construction workers.

"However, these were granted on condition that the foreigners train local workers in new skills. In the letter I am asking the companies to give me the status of this training", Dr Gonzi added.

Minister Gonzi is still waiting for a reply from the federation of construction companies.

Last week the Prime Minister insisted that government was not going to give in to the construction industry’s demands to start importing workers.

Dr Gonzi told The Business Times that out of the 500 people registering with the Employment and Training Corporation in respect to the building industry, at least 120 are capable of being employed immediately.