'Factually incorrect': Dr Reddy's denies report on 25 pc workforce cost cuts, laying off highly-paid staff

IANS April 14, 2025 187 views

Dr Reddy's Laboratories has strongly denied media reports suggesting massive workforce cost cuts and layoffs. The company released a stock exchange filing categorically rejecting claims of a 25% workforce reduction targeting high-earning employees. Despite speculation about potential voluntary retirements, Dr Reddy's maintains it has been actively hiring and investing in employee development. The pharmaceutical major reported hiring over 6,200 people in the previous fiscal year and increasing employee benefit expenses by 7%.

"We categorically deny the claim of a 25 per cent workforce cost reduction" - Dr Reddy's Stock Exchange Filing
New Delhi, April 14: Pharmaceutical major Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Monday denied media reports that claimed that the company is planning a 25 per cent reduction in workforce costs and laying off high-earning employees.

Key Points

1

Dr Reddy's dismisses media speculation on workforce reduction

2

Company reports continued hiring and investment in employees

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No plans for mass layoffs or cost-cutting measures

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Emphasizes active recruitment in new business areas

The company said the information is "factually incorrect" and categorically dismissed the claims made in the report.

"We wish to clarify that the said news is factually incorrect. We categorically deny the claim of a 25 per cent workforce cost reduction and the other claims mentioned in the said news article," Dr Reddy’s said in a stock exchange filing.

The company also added that it does not comment on market speculation.

“In this regard, please note that the Company does not comment on market speculations and there is currently no such event or information which requires a disclosure under Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations,” the firm added in its filing.

Earlier, a media report claimed that Dr Reddy's had initiated a major cost-cutting drive, asking several senior executives -- especially those earning over Rs 1 crore annually -- to resign.

The report also alleged that the company had offered voluntary retirement to employees in the 50–55 age group, mainly from its research and development division.

It further suggested that around 300–400 employees might be affected by the move.

According to the report, the move was being seen as part of the company’s broader efforts to improve operational efficiency, particularly in light of its recent ventures into new areas like nutraceuticals (through a joint venture with Nestle) and digital therapeutics.

Dr Reddy’s, however, maintains that no such cost-cutting measures targeting employee layoffs have been initiated.

The company emphasised that it has been hiring actively in recent years to support its expansion into new businesses.

In fact, Dr Reddy’s reported consolidated employee benefit expenses of Rs 1,367 crore in Q3 FY25 -- a 7 percent rise from Rs 1,276 crore in the same period of FY24.

The company had also hired over 6,200 people in FY24 and invested nearly Rs 39 crore in employee training and development.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Glad to see Dr Reddy's clarifying this quickly. Fake news about layoffs can really hurt employee morale. Hope the original source issues a correction too.
R
Rahul S.
Interesting how these rumors start. The numbers in their filing don't lie - 7% increase in employee expenses and 6200 new hires last year! 📊
A
Anjali M.
While I believe their denial, I wonder why such specific rumors emerge. Maybe the company should be more transparent about their restructuring plans to avoid speculation?
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Sanjay P.
As someone in pharma HR, these kinds of reports create unnecessary panic. Companies should be careful with sensitive info - employees' livelihoods are at stake here.
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Neha T.
Their investment in employee training (₹39 crore!) shows commitment to workforce development. More companies should focus on upskilling rather than layoffs 👍
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Vikram J.
The original report seemed oddly specific with numbers (300-400 employees, 50-55 age group). Makes you wonder if there was some internal memo that got misinterpreted?

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