COVID-19 Impact: Uber Lays Off One-Fourth Of Its India Staff

On Tuesday, Uber India said that it will lay off 600 employees across in the country across customer & driver support, business development, marketing and other verticals, which accounts for one-fourth of its total headcount of 2,400 in the country.

"The impact of COVID-19 and the unpredictable nature of the recovery has left Uber India SA with no choice but to reduce the size of its workforce. Around 600 full-time positions across driver and rider support, as well as other functions, are being impacted," said Pradeep Parameswaran, President, Uber India and South Asia.

The move is part of the company's global restructuring plan announced earlier in May by Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi. Uber has laid off 6,700 employees globally since the start of the pandemic.

"Each will receive a minimum 10 weeks payout, medical insurance coverage for the next six months, outplacement support, be allowed to retain their laptops and given the option to join the Uber talent directory," Parameswaran added.

"Today is an incredibly sad day for colleagues leaving the Uber family and all of us at the company. We made the decision now so we can look to the future with confidence. 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," he said.