Sapient lays off 300 employees in India

NEW DELHI: Software firm Sapient has laid off 300 employees at its offices in Bangalore, Noida and Gurgaon as a result of the global economic downturn, which has impacted several IT firms.

"In order to adjust to this changing demand environment, Sapient has exited about 8 per cent of its people. Sapient employs approximately 6,400 globally and as a result of this rationalisation, 300 people in India have been impacted," the company spokesperson said.

He said the exited employees have received severance packages and full outplacement services, and would be considered for rehiring on a fast track basis if the company finds that it again needs their skills and experience.

"These people were laid off to right size the company. They were at different levels of the management," he said, adding that Sapient has two-third of its workforce in India.

Businesses worldwide are feeling the impact of the economic downturn, and as a result, are reducing budgets and delaying projects. Despite the short-term softness in demand, Sapient remains well-positioned in two large markets - IT services and interactive marketing.



The company would continue to make strategic investments and targeted hires in several areas that are expected to drive success in 2009, including trading and risk management, marketing and government services, he said.