Microsoft to lay off 55 employees in India

Software giant Microsoft will lay off about 55 employees in India, which is one per cent of its Indian staff, as slowdown hits the sector, affecting business and profitability.

The announcement on this is part of the Redmond-based company's decision in January this year to cut 5,000 jobs globally amid the ongoing slowdown.

The company would lay off 55 employees from its 5,500 people-strong Indian operations in a bid to realign its business in the country, the Microsoft India spokesperson said.

When asked for details, the spokesperson declined to comment saying, "We are currently working with the concerned employees to evaluate alternative positions internally and where applicable look at mutually favourable disengagement terms."

"Due to a global realignment of our business priorities, about one per cent of the net rolls across India are likely to be impacted," the company said in a statement.

In the second round of job-cuts effected on May 5, the software major announced it would lay off 3,000 employees. In January, Microsoft had laid off 1,350-1,400 people, largely in the US.

"The company would continue to hire and create employment opportunities in line with the recovery and growth of the Indian economy and make strategic investments which are best suited to the current economic environment," the spokesperson said.