Mauritius cleaning companies turning down business amid labour shortage

Office and outdoor cleaning companies in Mauritius say they’re having to turn down business and reschedule or even cancel regular customers because they can’t find enough staff.

Record numbers of Mauritians have been quitting their jobs in search of better working conditions – and the cleaning industry, known for its low wages and lack of benefits, is no exception.

Market leader in cleaning services, Atics, which already employs 500 people, said it needs 100 new employees.

Managing Director Raj Essoo was cited as telling Defi Media that he is also facing the reluctance of the Ministry of Labour to allow the recruitment of foreign workers.

“Sometimes you end up paying penalties, which is very discouraging,” he explained.

The recommended pay scale since July 2022 for a cleaner is Rs 10,725. For a garbage collector, it is Rs 10,875. They are expected to work 45 hours per week.

The Ministry of Labour has reportedly received numerous requests from various sectors to recruit foreign employees. However, the Ministry responded that the cleaning sector is not considered to face “scarcity issues”.

Source: Defi Media