India’s top firms suffer a ₹12,000 crore labour code blow in Q3
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. When Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) last month disclosed a ₹2,100 crore-plus profit hit from the new labour codes, that was only the beginning. Of India’s top 30 companies, 25 that have reported the impact of the amended labour regime suffered a nearly ₹12,000-crore blow to their December quarter profits, a Mint analysis showed.
The rules mandate higher social security contributions from both employers and employees, and also increase retirement benefits. While the provisions stemming from the labour code accounted for just 7.70% the 25 companies' aggregate Q3 profit, this won’t be a one-time cost. Consulting firms caution that wage bills are set to increase even as India Inc.’s margins are under pressure amid macro and global uncertainties.
The collateral damage could be lower salary hikes in the upcoming appraisal season. “The hit was expected due to the gratuity impact now required to be calculated on ‘wages’—these are now the provisions that the companies have estimated. Labour-intensive sectors like IT (information technology) and some manufacturing (e.g.
apparel and footwear) will see a larger impact than others," said Alok Agrawal, partner for Tax at Deloitte. “Some of the companies may have over-provided (based on their earlier compensation structure) and may have subsequently realigned their structures,’ he said. “Also, the recurring increase in gratuity will play out in the wage bills of companies in the coming quarters." Under India’s new labour codes, wages must account for at least 50% of remuneration, increasing gratuity and other statutory payouts, such as the provident fund.
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