Growing demand for blue collar workers in UAE reflects gradual stabilisation of construction sector

In line with this, Dulsco HR Solutions, the region's largest human resource outsourcing company, has announced plans to increase its blue collar manpower pool by at least 25%.

Dulsco HR Solutions recently brought in more than 1,000 recruits from Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and India in response to growing demand from numerous companies to outsource their manpower needs in order to gain greater operational flexibility while reducing liabilities.

Dulsco HR Solutions' outsourced manpower covers various categories such as general helpers and cleaners, semi-skilled manpower and skilled manpower. The latter category includes plumbers, masons, electricians, carpenters, fabricators, drivers and many more. The company also outsources forklift operators, office assistants, and security guards, among others.

"The onslaught of the global economic crisis has seen a lot of companies shift to manpower outsourcing. The outsourcing model has evolved from being mainly a cost-saving strategy to being a powerful tool for maximizing operational efficiency. The practice is particularly gaining popularity in active Arab economies. This recent expansion of manpower will enable us to meet the growing demand for outsourced workers of this category throughout the region,"

says Valerian D'Souza, GM, Manpower Services, Dulsco HR Solutions.

Workforce outsourcing offers numerous organisational benefits, such as reducing planning costs covering seasonality; easing manpower recruiting and planning; having a reliable expert to carry out manpower formalities; and increasing productivity due to a lower head count. Outsourcing allows companies to focus on core business activities, to reduce time, effort and financial costs, and to address new hiring on temporary jobs.

Dulsco HR Solution's comprehensive manpower services include candidate selection and sponsorship/visa; medical insurance; payroll and attendance; accommodation; transportation; and other benefits as per UAE labour law. The manpower specialists provide continual training to its standby workforce in areas such as skills, languages, hygiene, health and safety. Dulsco also provides its employees with accommodation facilities, sports spaces, recreational events and medical services to ensure their physical and psychological fitness.

Founded in 1935 in Dubai, Dulsco originally provided stevedoring services. It has since diversified its portfolio to meet the manpower needs of the UAE and Gulf area. Dulsco maintains a pool of 5,000 workers who are trained to match the specific skill-set requirements of its diverse clients. Its HR Solutions division offers many other services such as contract staffing, payroll management, recruitment, accommodation and clinic facilities in addition to manpower outsourcing.