Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Businesses may have to pay more for Indian talent

DUBAI - A predicted rise in Indian salaries is likely to mean UAE businesses will pay more for Indian talent, says global management consultancy Hay Group.

Hay Group yesterday predicted that the overall wage gap between UAE and Indian salaries will decline by six per cent in 2008, when compared to 2007.

According to data compiled by Hay Group, supervisory level gross salaries were as much as 88 per cent higher in the UAE compared to India in 2005, but declined to 75 per cent in 2007 - and the onsultancy is forecasting a further drop to 70 per cent in 2008, driven in part by the rising rupee.
Commenting on the findings Mark Williams, Director of Leadership and Talent Hay Group Middle East and North Africa, said: Companies based in UAE need to be prepared for further appreciation of the rupee and its knock-on effects. We are already seeing indications that more UAE-based Indians are considering their options back home. In an inflationary employment market, the key is not only to offer more money, but to differentiate yourself through effective talent management. As the pay gap closes, it will be companies that offer clear career paths, attractive training programmes and a strong employer brand will retain their key talent."