Uber lays off 600 Indian workers as Covid-19 hits the business

Uber has cut 600 jobs in India across levels and teams on Tuesday, a week after other rival in the country, Ola, also slash its workforce by a third.

Uber confirmed the news.

“The impact of Covid-19 and the unpredictable nature of the recovery has left Uber India with no choice but to decrease the size of its workforce…600 people across driver and rider support, as well as other functions, are being impacted,” stated Pradeep Parameswaran, President, Uber India and South Asia.

According to an email sent by Dara Khosrowshahi to workers, showed that the layoffs are part of the company’s already announced global job cuts that were being done in phases throughout geographies.

“Today is an incredibly sad day for colleagues leaving the Uber family and all of us at the company. …. I want to apologize to departing colleagues, and extend my heartfelt thanks to them for their contributions to Uber and the riders and driver-partners we serve in India,” said Parameswaran.

All employees will get a minimum of 10 weeks payout, medical insurance coverage for the next six months, outplacement support, be permitted to retain their laptops and given the option to join the company’s talent directory.