Microsoft botches severance, asks for money back
REDMOND, Wash. -- Microsoft says it wants to emerge from the recession as a stronger industry leader. But it's stumbling out of the blocks.
In January the software company laid off 1,400 workers. And on Thursday it asked some of them to return at least part of their severance.
A copy of the letter from Microsoft, posted by TechCrunch.com, apologized to the laid off employees for the inconvenience.
A Microsoft spokesman confirmed the company did send out the letters last week, but wouldn't say how many former employees received the letter or how much money was involved.
The spokesman described it as an "administrative error" and said it was a private matter between the company and the former employees.
Microsoft said it was going to pay employees 60 days plus severance based on years of service. Company officials said some employees were under paid, while others got too much.
The company's letter said there could be tax penalties if employees keep any overpayment.
In January the software company laid off 1,400 workers. And on Thursday it asked some of them to return at least part of their severance.
A copy of the letter from Microsoft, posted by TechCrunch.com, apologized to the laid off employees for the inconvenience.
A Microsoft spokesman confirmed the company did send out the letters last week, but wouldn't say how many former employees received the letter or how much money was involved.
The spokesman described it as an "administrative error" and said it was a private matter between the company and the former employees.
Microsoft said it was going to pay employees 60 days plus severance based on years of service. Company officials said some employees were under paid, while others got too much.
The company's letter said there could be tax penalties if employees keep any overpayment.