Concentrix, an outsourcing firm, has reached a deal with its 303 Mauritian staff facing redundancy, providing them with a sweeter exit package. The agreement, reached on Friday, offers 1.5 months of salary for every year of service, in addition to the Portable Retirement Gratuity Fund money they are entitled to by law. This package exceeds the standard redundancy settlement in Mauritius and sets a new benchmark for the industry.
The deal was welcomed by the staff and unions, who had been bracing for the bare legal minimum. Concentrix handles support work for clients abroad, and when a contract ends, the jobs often leave with it. The company's redundancy package has provided a softer landing for the 303 staff members, but it does not address the larger question of job security in the outsourcing industry.
The Mauritian government has been exploring ways to support workers in the outsourcing sector, which employs thousands of people. The industry is facing challenges due to the increasing use of automated services, which could potentially replace human workers. The government's efforts to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities are ongoing.
In other news, the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) has unveiled a Space Strategy 2036, which focuses on using satellite data to support various sectors such as farming, fishing, land use, and the environment. The strategy does not involve building or launching satellites, but rather leveraging existing satellite data to benefit the local economy.
The strategy aims to provide usable readings to farmers and fishermen, enabling them to make informed decisions. The Tertiary Education Minister, Kaviraj Sukon, emphasized that Mauritius is too small to get involved in the production of satellites and instead wants to focus on using satellite data to drive economic growth.
The Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) has confirmed that no public money has been allocated to a new college run by MP Reza Saumtally. The Forest-Side Secondary College was registered by the book and has not received any subsidies so far. The Education Minister, Mahend Gungapersad, has denied any allegations of political favoritism.
Mauritius is set to host the US-Africa Business Summit, which will bring together over 3,000 leaders and investors from December 6 to 9. The summit aims to promote trade and investment between the US and Africa, and Mauritian firms are being encouraged to come with real projects, not just expressions of interest.
Key points
- Concentrix agrees to a sweeter exit package for 303 staff facing redundancy.
- Mauritius focuses on using satellite data to drive economic growth.
- The US-Africa Business Summit to be held in Mauritius in December.
