Uber Technologies Inc has cut about 600 jobs in India as part of plans to reduce its global workforce by 23 per cent, the company said on Tuesday, joining local rival Ola as the Covid-19 pandemic crushes demand for app-based cab services, according to Reuters.

Last week, Uber said it would focus on its core businesses in ride-hailing and food delivery and cut staffing globally in an attempt to become profitable despite the coronavirus pandemic.

“The impact of Covid-19 and the unpredictable nature of the recovery has left Uber India SA with no choice but to reduce the size of its workforce,” Uber India and South Asia President Pradeep Parameswaran said.

Laid off employees will receive a minimum of 10 weeks worth of payout, medical insurance coverage for the next six months and other help, Parameswaran added.