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Airtel about to lay-off staff

Mobile network provider Airtel Malawi is reportedly planning to lay-off a sizeable number of its staff—with unconfirmed reports saying those to be shown the door may be more than 100—within a week or so.

An Airtel insider told Weekend Nation in Lilongwe that international directors came from Kenya, about two weeks ago, to break the news that the company has been posting losses, and that laying off of some staff is necessary.

Hinted at changes: Kamoto

The source said Airtel is now consulting government, to share its determination to lay-off some of its personnel. But the source disclosed that the company has already gone ahead with its drastic cost-cutting thrust. It is said to have stopped outsourcing its security and hiring services, among others, and has asked some senior employees to re-apply for their positions.

“It’s a trying time for most us, employees, including directors and managers. We are anxious and worried, wondering whether the dreaded news to part ways with our company will come our way,” the source added.

When contacted, Airtel managing director Charles Kamoto on Thursday gave a rather cryptic response that admitted that some staffing and operational changes are afoot in his company.

“Yes, this initiative taking place is part of our normal day-to-day assessments where we review our business model, taking into account the changing business environment, to improve efficiency and productivity within the system sustainably and for the long-term,” said Kamoto. He did not elaborate.

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