Microsoft watcher Ina Fried reports that the company won't be taking back severance "overpayments", even though it confirmed it did ask for them initially. The truth is, despite numbers reported in the thousands, only 25 people were overpaid, somewhere between $4000 and $5000, according to Microsoft HR head Lisa Brummel, who said about 20 more of those laid off were actually underpaid. Microsoft isn't the only company to ever pay anyone too much then ask for it back, but Brummel says these were extraordinary circumstances, so they're reversing their decision. Those who were underpaid will be getting the correct funds pronto. [CNet]

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