Microsoft Pri0

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January 22, 2009 8:39 PM

Severance and benefits for laid off Microsoft employees

Posted by Benjamin J. Romano

Microsoft is trying to ease the blow of layoffs to 1,400 people who were notified today. Their job responsibilities end Friday and, according to a WARN notice filed with the state, their layoff will be official on March 23. "The adjustments announced today impact Microsoft's global operations, so employee Notification and the last day for individuals outside of the US will vary based on local laws," a spokeswoman said in an e-mail.

"[I]mpacted employees in the U.S. may be eligible for a minimum of 60 days of pay, as well as severance pay that is calculated on tenure and level," she continued.

Microsoft is also planning to add 2,000 to 3,000 positions, even as it lets staff go. "Some jobs currently open will be filled by those affected by the job eliminations," she said. "For others, we will provide generous severance and outplacement services to help their search for a new job."

Another organization, the Microsoft Alumni Network, is offering "a wide variety of benefits to authenticated former Microsoft FTEs, including access to the Company Store, connections to other Alumni, competitive pricing on benefits and insurances, and other special privileges for Microsoft Alumni members only," according to a comment on this earlier blog post.

Update, Friday morning: Added a link to the Microsoft Alumni Network.

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