Pune IT Layoffs: Mid-Career Professionals Struggle to Find New Jobs
Pune, 20th November 2025: Rising concerns over job security are surfacing in Pune’s Information Technology (IT) sector as several companies begin cutting staff amid a global economic slowdown. With major IT markets in Europe and the United States facing recessionary pressures, Indian firms are witnessing reduced demand for new projects as well as a decline in orders from existing clients. This slump is now reflecting in workforce decisions, and Pune — home to offices of the country’s top IT companies — is experiencing the impact.
Multiple companies have quietly trimmed their workforce over the past few months, but the scale and frequency of staff reductions are now becoming more visible. IT employee organisations had been flagging the trend for some time; however, with layoffs increasing, employees themselves have begun approaching authorities. According to officials, mid-level professionals are being hit the hardest. With the industry already in a downturn, many of them are struggling to secure new roles quickly, pushing some into financial distress.
This growing anxiety is evident at the office of the Labour Commissioner in Pune, which has started receiving a rising number of complaints from IT workers. Many of these have been filed under Section 2A conciliation, a provision used when an employee alleges wrongful termination. Officials confirmed that at least five complaints have been submitted against a single company, TCS, prompting the issuance of notices and subsequent hearings.
“Employees from the IT sector have gradually started coming forward with complaints,” said Assistant Labour Commissioner S.T. Shirke. “Most cases involve claims of illegal dismissal. These employees are seeking reinstatement and compensation for the period during which they were removed. During conciliation, both sides are invited for a face-to-face hearing, and if the demands appear justified, necessary action is taken. The effort is always to resolve the matter amicably. If reconciliation fails, the case is sent to the labour court.”
Industry insiders say that the impact of “benching” — a common practice in IT firms where employees without active projects are assigned no work and encouraged to upskill — has also taken a worrying turn. In one reported case, an employee placed on the bench was later terminated.
The company allegedly accused the individual of not reporting to work and failing to complete assignments, despite no tasks being allocated during the benching phase. The matter escalated further when the company reportedly sought to recover the employee’s salary for the benching period.
The series of complaints and the rise in workplace disputes highlight the growing pressure on Pune’s IT workforce as the global technology slowdown begins to ripple through India’s major tech hubs.
