Giant software maker Microsoft, which recently cut 1,400 jobs, has asked a number of former employees for a refund on their paycheck.
In letters sent to laid-off workers Microsoft claimed the 'generous' severance payouts was due to an accounting mistake, asking the recipients to return the overpay, TechCrunch reported Saturday.
"An inadvertent administrative error occurred that resulted in an overpayment in severance pay by Microsoft," the letter read. "We ask that you repay the overpayment and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to you."
The letter did not provide an explanation for the accounting error. However, it said that monetary punishment would be considered should the recipients refuse to return the overpayment.
A Microsoft spokesman has reportedly confirmed the report and the authenticity of the letter. He, however, declined to provide more information, describing the situation as a "private matter between the company and the affected people."
According to CNET some of the former employees at the company were also notified that they were 'under compensated'.
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