In a recent development, Infosys has made headlines once again for laying off 195 trainees at its Mysuru campus, as reported by Moneycontrol. This marks the fourth wave of layoffs for the Bengaluru-based IT powerhouse, primarily attributed to trainees not meeting the standards in internal assessments, according to emails obtained by the publication.
The Rising Numbers of Affected Trainees
With these latest terminations, the total count of trainees let go since February has surged to approximately 800. Here’s a quick breakdown of the layoffs:
- February: 300 trainees let go
- March: 45 trainees terminated
- April 18: 240 individuals affected
- Recent Layoff: 195 trainees
The company has been facing scrutiny for these terminations, as many of those affected reportedly struggled to pass internal evaluations, despite having three chances to succeed.
Support for Affected Employees
In response to the layoffs, Infosys is taking steps to support the affected trainees. The company is offering complimentary upskilling programs through NIIT and UpGrad. So far, around 250 individuals have signed up for these programs, while approximately 150 have opted for outplacement services to assist them in their job search.
Insights from Internal Communications
An email sent to the trainees on April 29 conveyed the disappointing news: “Despite several preparation sessions and multiple attempts, you have not met the criteria for the ‘Generic foundation training program.’ Therefore, your apprenticeship journey with us cannot continue.” This straightforward message reflects the company’s rigorous standards for training.
Financial Context of Layoffs
These layoffs come shortly after Infosys released its Q4 financial report, which revealed a downward revision in revenue growth expectations for FY26, now projected at 0-3 percent in constant currency, down from an earlier estimate of 4.5-5 percent. This adjustment adds financial pressure and context to the recent terminations.
Previous Layoffs and Complaints
Earlier this year, 700 trainees who had been with the company for around two-and-a-half years were also let go due to similar performance issues. Many former trainees expressed concerns that the assessments were more challenging than in the past, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Legal Perspectives on Layoffs
Following complaints regarding the legality of these layoffs, the Karnataka Labour Department ruled on February 27 that Infosys had acted within its rights. A source stated, “These were all trainees, some with only three months of training. This situation doesn’t qualify as a layoff under labor laws, as there was no regular employment; they were apprenticeship trainees.”
Infosys’s Stance on Training and Performance
In defense of its actions, Infosys emphasized the importance of performance evaluations as part of the training process. “Every trainee acknowledges that performance assessments are crucial for their development. While we recognize the disappointment of those who did not pass, it’s essential to understand the framework of these evaluations,” the company stated.
Furthermore, the firm reassured that over 98% of eligible trainees received their relieving letters, along with severance packages and counseling services, underscoring their commitment to supporting former trainees during this transition.
As Infosys navigates these challenges, the ongoing situation raises important questions about training standards, employee support, and the evolving landscape of IT employment in India.
