Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. First of all, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me, humbly, apologise for not being present at the time the question was originally asked. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that on 25 May 2026, an employee of Froid des Mascareignes Ltd filed a complaint with my Ministry, alleging that he was forced to resign under duress and made to sign a compromise agreement. An inquiry was conducted by my Ministry, whereby it was found that Froid des Mascareignes Ltd has embarked on a redeployment exercise due to restructuring and economic reason involving 16 employees. This redeployment exercise was conducted in consultation with the Private Sector Employees’ Union to reach a settlement. Out of the 16 employees concerned – • three of the employees agreed to be redeployed in other departments within the company, • two employees agreed to be redeployed in another company, and • the remaining 11 employees, who were not agreeable to be redeployed, have agreed to take a compensation following negotiation with their union, and they have signed a compromise agreement accordingly. So, these 11 employees who signed the compromise agreement included the employee who filed a complaint with my Ministry. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that despite signing a compromise agreement, the employee concerned was not agreeable with the termination of his employment and considered that he has been made redundant unjustifiably pursuant to section 72 of the Workers’ Rights Act. Accordingly, he referred a case to the Redundancy Board. I am informed by the Redundancy Board that as at date, it has received only one application from former employees of Froid des Mascareignes Ltd on 06 July 2026, for the payment of severance allowance. No other complaint has been received by the Redundancy Board. The case has been fixed for mention for the first time on July 15, tomorrow, and convocation letters have been sent to both parties.

Yes!

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Will the hon. Minister advise the Chamber if he will pay particular attention to this case, as people who are being redeployed or terminated are particularly vulnerable people who may not have enough voice to raise their concerns to authorities?

I will certainly do so, but the hon. Member may ask those employees to file a complaint. As at today, there is only one employee who has made a complaint. As I said, 11 of them have already signed the compromise agreement. If they feel that they have done it under duress, they can always come to my Ministry, and we will assist them.

The Hon. Third Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle! ROSE BELLE SUGAR ESTATE – AGRICULTURAL LAND LEASE – REVISED RENTAL