Online marketplace Snapdeal has put at least 55 people, or about 7% of its full-time workforce, on a three-month furlough, according to multiple people aware of the development.
The e-commerce firm has 750 staff on its payroll while another 800 of workers are on contract.
A Snapdeal spokesperson confirmed the development without offering any details.
“During the furlough period, they will receive their contractual dues and will have continued entitlement to medical insurance for themselves and their families,” a company spokesperson said in an emailed response.
A furlough is a temporary leave for employees.
“The impact is across teams from product to marketing and sales,” said a person directly in the know.
Also Read: Software engineers & sales staff most affected by layoffs at startups
Earlier this week, Snapdeal claimed that order volumes grew after e-commerce firms were allowed to sell non-essentials across the country except in containment zones from May 18. Budget phones, kids’ garments, pressure cookers, trimmers, were the top sellers for the e-tailer, a company spokesperson added.
The company has also partnered with e-learning players including Toppr, Gradeup among others to offer e-books, mock tests, practice materials, and other online products for general academics, competitive tests, and upskilling courses.
Several of the country’s most valuable startups like ride-hailing app Ola, food delivery platforms Swiggy and Zomato, budget hotel brand Oyo, Treebo, financial services major Paytm, Lendingkart, as well as others such as Curefit, Udaan, and Livspace, have asked hundreds of employees to leave as the coronavirus lockdown hit their revenues.
Sharp pay cuts have also been ordered at large companies including travel major MakeMyTrip, BookMyShow, Droom. While a clutch of growth-stage companies like Meesho, Acko, Treebo, and FabHotels have also slashed staff.
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