[s1gsegv]

As I understand it, there's the WARN act both federally and at some state levels (namely California where a lot of this is taking place). They require advance notice of layoffs as a worker protection.

However, companies don't want to give advance notice so instead they immediately "lay you off" by removing access to everything, then give you "notice" that you'll be off payroll in some weeks/months as required by the act.

I'm not a lawyer, it seems like a pretty grey interpretation of the law, but at least this is better than no severance.

[JoshuaEN]

It seems like this is more favorable to those being laid off, effectively being paid to look for a new job.