Understanding At-Will Employment

At-will employment is a common concept across the United States. In Massachusetts, both you and your employer can end the employment relationship at any time. No reason is necessary. However, this doesn’t mean your employer has unchecked power. Speaking up about hazards, discrimination, or unethical practices isn’t just brave. It’s often legally protected.

Exceptions to At-Will Employment

Several exceptions protect you from unlawful termination:

• Public Policy Exception: You can’t be fired for refusing to break the law or for performing a legal obligation. For example, serving jury duty is a protected activity.
• Implied Contract Exception: Even if nothing is written, verbal promises or company policy may protect you from being let go without cause.
• Good Faith and Fair Dealing Exception: An employer can’t fire you to avoid responsibilities like paying commissions.

Protected Activities

Certain actions are protected under state and federal laws:

What To Do If You’re Fired

If you believe your firing was unlawful, take these steps:

1. Document Everything: Keep records of any communications and events leading to your termination.
2. Consult an Employment Lawyer: Seek advice from an expert. They can assess your situation and advise on the best actions.
3. File a Complaint: You may need to file a claim with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination or another relevant body.

Each step protects your rights. Timing is crucial, so act quickly if you suspect wrongful termination.

Resources for Further Guidance

Explore resources and get expert help:

• The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination provides information and assistance if you face workplace discrimination.
• The U.S. Department of Labor offers guidance on wrongful termination and employee rights.

Your job is important, but your rights and dignity matter even more. Understanding these protections ensures you’re well-prepared. So, speak up when needed, and know that the law stands with you.

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MUMBAI: In a significant move to bolster employment opportunities and skill development in India, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TeamLease EdTech to create new career pathways for university learners. The MoU was formalized in New Delhi today in the presence of Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Smt. Sushri Shobha Karandlaje. Representing TeamLease EdTech at the signing was Shri. Jaideep Kewalramani, COO and Head of Employability Business.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “The National Career Service (NCS) portal is evolving into a comprehensive platform for accessing employment opportunities across various sectors. Our collaboration with TeamLease EdTech introduces work-linked degree programs that integrate academic learning with practical hands-on experience; this shall go a long way in enhancing the employability of our youth and aligning education.”

Smt. Sushri Karandlaje added, “By incorporating work-linked programs into the NCS portal, we are creating pathways for students to gain in-demand skills through degree programs that include internships. This initiative not only addresses the skills gap but also helps prepare a workforce that meets the needs of today’s industries.”

With over two decades of pioneering workforce solutions, TeamLease EdTech has built a robust ecosystem that supports the employability journey of millions across India. Known for providing jobs to crores of youth, the TeamLease Group has become a leader in connecting education to employment. This legacy is underscored by TeamLease EdTech’s extensive partnerships with over 65 government and private universities, empowering the youth with critical, industry-aligned skills. Through this collaboration, TeamLease EdTech will bring around 200 work-linked degree programs to the NCS portal, each with embedded internships that provide over 500,000 hands-on learning opportunities. Leveraging its digital platform, Digivarsity (www.digivarsity.com), TeamLease EdTech will make live internship opportunities accessible to students nationwide through the NCS platform, creating pathways that bridge skill gaps and prepare a job-ready workforce aligned with India’s evolving job market.

This collaboration will enable the NCS portal to offer TeamLease EdTech’s work-linked programs(In line with NEP 2020 and UGC’s guidelines to promote apprenticeship/internship embedded degree programs ), designed to combine academic coursework with internships, providing students with hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills. The partnership aims to create over 500,000 job-ready individuals within the next year by equipping them with skills that are critical across sectors. Leveraging TeamLease Edtech’s extensive experience in youth education and employment, this partnership aims to reach a diverse and expansive audience through structured, scalable programs. TeamLease EdTech shall also set up Digivarsity Career Lounges in the NCS Model Career Centers; these lounges shall provide counseling assistance to walk-in students.

Shri. Kewalramani affirmed the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “At TeamLease EdTech, we are committed to bridging the gap between education and employability. Our work-linked degree programs are designed to provide students with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market. By collaborating with the Ministry of Labour & Employment and utilizing the NCS portal, we can reach a broader audience and make a significant impact on employability in India.“

The NCS portal, operational since July 2015, has been instrumental in connecting job seekers with employers and providing a range of employment-related services. This partnership with TeamLease EdTech marks a strategic enhancement of the portal’s offerings, aligning educational programs with the evolving needs of the labor market and fostering a more skilled and employable workforce.

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MUMBAI: TeamLease Digital, a leading tech staffing and solutions provider, has revealed its latest insights on hiring trends and the tech landscape for the upcoming fiscal year 2025. The analysis highlights the surge in demand across various experience levels, influential market factors, and the significance of skill development in the ever-evolving tech industry. The following are some of the key details gauged by TeamLease Digital.

Concerning hiring in the tech sector, there have been distinct patterns for freshers, mid-level professionals, and senior management. Global Capability Centers (GCCs) have emerged as significant employers of fresh talent, offering entry-level candidates salaries that are upto 30% higher than the industry standard for in-demand skills. This surge is expected to continue, with GCCs projected to increase fresher hiring by 40% compared to the previous year. The IT services sector, while cautiously optimistic, is also anticipating a 20-25% growth in the recruitment of freshers, underscoring the demand for skills in software development, data engineering, and cloud technologies.

Meanwhile, mid-level roles demonstrate stability, with consistent demand for project managers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts. Salaries in these roles have seen an increase of 7.89% to 10.2% as compared to FY 2024, reflecting the market’s need for professionals who can apply their hands-on experience to manage and optimize business operations effectively. Senior management roles are experiencing a remarkable 21% rise in demand since last year, attributed to the strategic importance of expertise in data engineering, product management, and DevOps, with salary increases ranging between 6.54% and 10.8%.

“Further, TeamLease Digital’s insights show that several key factors have driven the year-on-year growth in tech hiring. The rise in AI, machine learning (ML), and automation skills have significantly increased the demand for data-related roles. This trend is particularly evident in the surge of job postings for data scientists, where almost 69% mentioned ML skills in 2024. Skills in natural language processing (NLP) have also grown in prominence, with demand jumping from 5% in 2024 to 19% in 2025, indicating a broad industry shift toward AI-driven solutions. Moreover, there is a growing need for skills such as Python programming, ethical hacking and penetration testing, Agile Scrum Master, AWS security, and JavaScript, further reflecting the evolving landscape of tech hiring.”

The rapid migration to cloud infrastructures has further fueled hiring in roles related to cloud engineering, development, and architecture. Organizations continue to prioritize platform-specific certifications, particularly in AWS and Microsoft Azure, as these credentials are increasingly seen as critical for tech professionals. By FY 2025, India is expected to require over two million cloud professionals to support the accelerated adoption of cloud technologies across various sectors.

TeamLease Digital’s outlook also reveals how upskilling and professional development remain priorities as companies seek to bridge the talent gap. Alarmingly, 63% of tech employees did not upskill last year which highlights the urgent need to address this skills gap. Among those, 73% reported a lack of time, and 42% cited a lack of support from managers as barriers to their development. Employees aiming to transition from junior to senior roles are encouraged to pursue certifications in cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity, as these skills are considered mandatory for progression. Upskilling is seen as a cost-effective strategy for employers, enabling them to meet talent demand while equipping professionals with the expertise required for higher-level responsibilities.

Additionally, the tech workforce solutions provider’s outlook shows that state-wise salary differences continue to shape the tech job market, driven by cost of living, concentration of tech companies, and local policies. Senior-level roles are experiencing a notable salary increase of 6.79% to 10.7% compared to FY 24 due to the diverse skill set required for these positions. This skill set encompasses advanced data manipulation, statistical analysis, machine learning, cloud computing, and expertise in big data tools such as Hadoop and Spark. The tech industry is currently facing a skills shortage in these areas, leading to a mismatch between demand and supply.

Major tech hubs such as Bangalore and Hyderabad offer competitive salaries due to their status as innovation centers, while smaller cities like Kochi and Coimbatore provide lower compensation because of reduced competition. However, companies are increasingly shifting their focus to Tier 2 towns, where the talent pool is gaining more importance. Cost of living is another major factor influencing salary disparities; for example, the high living expenses in Bangalore and Delhi necessitate higher salaries compared to cities like Ahmedabad. Additionally, government policies play a critical role, with Hyderabad’s favorable environment attracting tech companies, resulting in higher salaries compared to other regions.

Munira Loliwala, VP of strategy and Growth of TeamLease Digital, shared her thoughts “Mumbai has always been the financial nerve center of India, but today, it’s rapidly evolving into a strategic destination for Global Capability Centers and the non-tech sector. The city’s unparalleled access to top-tier talent, diverse industry presence, and robust infrastructure are driving innovation and growth in areas beyond finance, including analytics, risk management, and digital transformation. Mumbai’s unique blend of business acumen and technology expertise makes it an ideal location for companies looking to expand their global operations.”

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“The budget marks a pivotal moment for India’s education sector, reflecting a robust commitment to enhancing opportunities for the youth. The Rs. 1.48 lakh crore allocation for education, employment, and skilling underscores a strategic shift towards holistic development. The introduction of financial support for loans up to ₹10 lakhs for higher education, particularly for those excluded from existing government schemes, is a game-changer. The e-vouchers offering a 3% annual interest subvention for one lakh students will make higher education more accessible and affordable, potentially transforming countless futures.

The proposal to open working women hostels in collaboration with industry underscores a strong commitment to supporting female workforce participation and creating a more inclusive environment for women.

The budget‘s focus on upskilling, with a revised Model Skilling Loan scheme and the upgrading of 1,000 industrial training institutes, reflects a clear intent to enhance employability. By aiming to skill 20 lakh youth over the next five years, this budget sets the stage for a more skilled, competitive workforce, ultimately driving economic growth and innovation”

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This green field project will expand the manufacturing capabilities of SAVA Healthcare Limited as well as contribute to the development of the local economy by creating 1000+ job opportunities and offering advanced skill development for the locals.

Speaking about the new manufacturing plant, Vinod Jadhav, Chairman, of SAVA Healthcare Limited, said: “We are thrilled to commence this facility as it marks the initiation of a transformative phase in our journey. We want to emerge as a key player in the global contract manufacturing landscape and by expanding our manufacturing capabilities, we not only achieve that but also elevate Indore’s position in the pharmaceutical landscape.”

Nestled strategically on 13.8 acres of prime land, the forthcoming facility will boast of modern infrastructure and technologies designed to meet the stringent regulatory standards such as EuGMP / USFDA of global pharmaceutical markets, especially Europe and the United States of America.

The construction of the facility is slated to be executed in two planned phases. The first phase with a built-up area of 29,000 square meters is targeted for completion within 12 months, while the second phase will be completed by 2026.

“The new manufacturing facility will cater to the growing demand for quality pharmaceuticals in India and globally. Through this expansion, we will additionally create meaningful opportunities for the people in the region,” said Dinesh Kapoor, Managing Director, SAVA Healthcare Limited.

The new manufacturing plant in Indore will boost the manufacturing capability of SAVA Healthcare, which already operates a Health Canada, PIC/s approved facility in Gujarat’s Surendranagar. The proposed plant will have a projected annual production capacity of 2,351.3 million stock-keeping units which will include tablets, capsules, dry powder for oral suspension, ointments, nasal sprays, and dry powders for inhalation.

In the past decade, SAVA Healthcare’s business vertical catering to animal healthcare, SAVAVET, has emerged as a leader in the small animal pharmaceutical business, and growing CMO/ CDMO business with leading Pharma companies in the Indian and overseas market.
SAVA Healthcare is a trusted manufacturing partner to top Indian pharmaceutical companies and has a global footprint with exports of pharmaceutical products to more than 35 countries including Canada, Ukraine, the CIS, Asia, and Africa (especially FWA – French West Africa).

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The convention will serve as a platform to explore various facets of the sector, focusing on adapting to new-age trends and technologies. It will feature insightful discussions on government support, affordable housing, the impact of RERA, financing options, technology integration, and investment opportunities, along with a dedicated session on India Vision@2047. The convention is supported by KPMG, which is also its Knowledge Partner.

G Hari Babu, National President of NAREDCO, “emphasized the importance of collaboration in unlocking the full potential of India’s urbanization. He stated, “By working together, we can create sustainable, liveable, and inclusive cities that foster business growth, promote social equity, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. We look forward to fostering collaboration between the government and private sector stakeholders to ensure sustainability and pave the way for a thriving real estate industry that positively impacts the broader economy. Let us join hands to build a brighter future for India.”

Mr. Sandeep Runwal, President of NAREDCO Maharashtra said, “The real estate sector is crucial for Maharashtra and the country, driving economic growth and creating jobs. This national convention is a platform for discussing how real estate impacts our economy and how we can find new and smart solutions. It is not just about buildings – it is about creating a domino effect that boosts employment and supports ancillary industries. Together, we aim to come up with ideas that go beyond the usual, making sure our progress is sustainable and benefits everyone.“

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman of NAREDCO, “highlighted the convention’s role as a catalyst for transforming India’s real estate sector. He mentioned that the event would focus on issues such as liquidity crises, stressed assets, and insolvency while exploring policy reforms like the Rental Housing Policy and a commitment to net-zero goals. The importance of alternative financing through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (INVITs) was also underscored.”

Mr. Rajan Bandelkar, Vice Chairman of NAREDCO, “emphasized the real estate sector’s role as a crucial economic driver with a multiplier effect on employment and linkages with ancillary industries. He noted that the convention serves as a platform for networking, learning, and collaborative efforts, which are pivotal in unlocking India’s urbanization potential”.

In addition to discussions, NAREDCO will advocate for the government’s proactive role in promoting affordable housing. It will request the introduction of a home loan interest rate subvention scheme and demand concessions in the prices of construction materials, such as cement and steel, for affordable housing projects. These measures aim to incentivize and facilitate the development of the much-needed affordable housing segment.

NAREDCO, the apex body of the real estate sector under the Aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, is dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in the housing and real estate sector. The convention will feature prominent leaders, including the Hon’ble Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, as Chief Patron, and seven Joint Secretary-level Officers from Central Government and Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) on the Governing Council.

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DAVOS: The Adani portfolio of companies, one of the world’s largest infrastructure conglomerates, and the Government of Telangana today signed four memorandums of understanding (MoU) for investment of over Rs 12,400 crore, at the World Economic Forum 2024. These were signed in the presence of the Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Revanth Reddy, and the Chairman of the Adani Group, Mr. Gautam Adani.

These MoUs will help build the foundations for economic growth of Telangana that is green, sustainable, inclusive, and transformative.

Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) will invest over Rs 5,000 crore in a 100 MW data centre, which would be powered by renewable energy, over the coming 5-7 years. AEL will work closely with local MSMEs and startups to develop a globally competent supplier base for the project. It would provide employment, both direct and indirect, to 600 people.

Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) will invest over Rs 5,000 crore to set up two pump storage projects (PSPs) –850 MW at Koyabestagudem and 500 MW at Nacharam.

Ambuja Cements will invest Rs 1,400 crore to set up a 6 MTPA cement plant in the next five years. The unit would be set up across 70 acres and would significantly enhance Ambuja’s capability. It will provide employment for over 4,000 people, both directly and indirectly.

Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited will invest over Rs 1,000 crore in 10 years to set up a comprehensive ecosystem for the research, development, design, manufacturing and integration of counter drone and missile systems at the Adani Aerospace Park. The ecosystem developed through these projects would significantly enhance the defence capability of India and would provide employment to over 1,000 people.

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