Infosys axes 240 more trainees after failed assessments, offers external training amid backlash
IT-business consulting giant Infosys has laid off 240 entry-level employees who failed certain internal assessments, despite being given multiple attempts to obtain a passing grade. The decision was communicated to them via an email dated April 18, as per a Moneycontrol report.
The email was sent after the announcement of the results of the final assessment attempt of these trainees, who were onboarded during October-November last year, following a painfully-long waiting period of two and a half years.
“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,” the email read.
This move follows a round of layoffs earlier this year, when Infosys let go of more than 300 trainees in February, and 40-45 trainees in March, under similar circumstances. The terminations can be attributed to the company's poor revenue growth of 0-3% for the current fiscal year, leading to subdued demand as uncertainty continues in its core markets.
The layoffs have sparked outrage, with the Nascent IT Employees Senate (NITES) leading the charge. The union has labelled the mass terminations "illegal, unethical, and in violation of labour laws”, as per a Mathrubhumi report. On February 26, NITES also hosted a press conference, several affected employees shared their personal experiences and grievances, demanding legal action.
However, Infosys has also reportedly offered this year's affected employees free external training programmes via either NIIT, which offers IT training, or UpGrad, which features BPM training courses.
“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. However, if you wish to continue honing your IT skills, you also have an option to choose an Infosys sponsored external training program on Information Technology fundamentals to further support your IT career journey,” the terminatory email read.
In addition, the trainees will be entitled to a month's stipend, accommodation, and a travel allowance from the training centre in Mysuru to Bengaluru or their hometown.
On a more positive note, Infosys CFO Jayesh Sanghrajka explained in a press conference that the company would be hiring more than 20,000 freshers in FY26, despite the current slowdown in revenue growth, indicating a rough path ahead this fiscal year.
India