the proposed establishment of the 40-hours’ work week, as stipulated in the Government Programme 2025- 2029,…
(No. A/12) Dr. Ms B. Thannoo (Second Member for Quartier Militaire & Moka) asked the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations whether, in regard to the proposed establishment of the 40-hours’ work week, as stipulated in the Government Programme 2025- 2029, he will state whether consideration will be given for measures to be taken to ensure that it is the standard employment structure across all relevant industries and sectors in Mauritius.
Reply: My Ministry held the “Assises du Travail et de l’Emploi” from 23 to 25 September 2025, whereby the implementation of the 40-hours work week in non-essential sectors, as announced in the Government Programme 2025-2029, was discussed among tripartite stakeholders. However, no consensus was reached by the tripartite constituents thereat. Members of the business community sought clarifications on the specific services and sectors which would be excluded from the application of the proposed measure. They also suggested that reducing working hours from 45 hours to 40 hours per week should entail a reduction in wages and would also affect the minimum wages. In view thereof, my Ministry will hold further consultations with relevant stakeholders prior to making a proposal to Government.