A tough global market is forcing information technology companies to go slow on their hiring plans this year. While campus recruitments have been delayed, lateral hiring has also been put on pause mode. Companies such as HCL Technologies have not inducted fresh engineering graduates, who were given joining letters based on a test conducted on September 30.According to analysts, the utilisation of benched employees (kept ready for any immediate project) are also expected to come down more this year as IT firms look to cut down on training costs. Industry body Nasscom said that the IT industry, which added 2.30 lakh jobs in 2011-12, is expected to add only 1.50-2 lakh jobs in the current fiscal. According to Som Mittal, President, Nasscom, despite uncertainties net hiring will still continue in 2013. 

Source: The Hindu Business Line