App cab aggregator Uber India is laying off 600 full-time employees, which amounts to 25 per cent of its workforce in India, because of the coronavirus pandemic. It has 2,600 employees in the country. Competitor Ola had laid off 1,400 people last week after a revenue fall of 95 per cent during the lockdown.

The axed positions are mainly rider and driver support functions, said the company. The layoffs are part of the previously announced global job cuts.

Last week, US-based Uber Technologies — which is the parent company of Uber India — announced a 23 per cent cut in its workforce.

Uber Technologies had said a total 6,700 jobs will be impacted, including 3,700 announced earlier this month, and it will concentrate on its core businesses in ride-hailing and food delivery.

“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... 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 apologise to the 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 Pradeep Parameswaran, president, Uber India.

'Each (of the impacted employees) 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.