Infosys Lays Off 195 More Trainees; 250 Trainees Opt For Upskilling

Infosys Ltd. has laid off 195 more trainees, after a training assessment test, emails sent to laid off employees show.

Earlier in April, the IT major let go off 240 more trainees, and in March it had let go about 300 employees. This is the third round of layoff after conducting assessment tests.

“Further to the announcement of the results of your final assessment attempt, please be informed that you have not met the qualifying criteria in the 'Generic foundation training program', despite the additional preparation time, doubt-clearing sessions, several mock assessments and three attempts. As a result, you will not be able to continue your journey for the apprenticeship program,” email sent to a trainee read.

Of the total employees let go of, so far, 250 have enrolled in upskilling programs and 150 have registered for outplacement services, according to people in the know.

Trainees on completion of separation agreement will receive one month pay, and outplacement services with a 12 weeks training program for potential roles in the BPM industry or another 24 weeks training program on IT fundamentals for IT career pathway.

“As you explore opportunities outside of Infosys, we have planned professional outplacement services to help you on that journey. We also wish to offer you another career pathway, by taking an Infosys sponsored external training to prepare for potential roles in the BPM industry. On successful completion of the training, you may also apply to available opportunities in Infosys BPM Limited,” the email further read.

“Infosys has a rigorous way to train and assess. Every time a training batch comes in, they have three opportunities to be tested. If they succeed, they are in, and if not, then the company helps them find opportunities outside," Chief Executive Officer, Salil Parekh, had said in the recent fourth quarter results commentary.

After the first round of layoffs, the Karnataka labour ministry had investigated the termination and concluded that there was a violation of labour laws. Officials had visited the Infosys Mysuru campus to investigate the issue, where the company clarified its hiring process and the reason for laying off freshers. Infosys has been clear with its communication to the employees, and is not in violation of any labour laws, a government official had concluded.