<h1>IT firm to cut 12,000 jobs amid shift to AI and tech focus, with support for affected employees</h1> The IT Ministry is monitoring the decision of a major IT services firm to lay off over 12,000 employees, approximately two percent of its global workforce, primarily affecting middle and senior-level staff. The firm attributes the layoffs to a strategic shift towards becoming a 'future-ready organisation,' focusing on technology investment, AI deployment, market expansion, and workforce realignment. Despite recent workforce growth, the company plans to release employees whose redeployment is not feasible, while providing benefits, outplacement, counseling, and support. The ministry is engaging with the company to understand the underlying causes and emphasizes employment growth through initiatives like Employment Linked Incentive, alongside skilling and reskilling efforts.