EXL pays extra to retrenched staff

GEORGE NEWS - A group of disgruntled former employees of EXL, who were retrenched in March, picketed at the premises of the business last week to air their discontent about tax deductions of between 40% and 45% from their retrenchment packages.

The group are part of some 200 staff members who were let go.

Keith Little, senior manager of media relations, responded as follows to the staff complaints: "EXL has reviewed each case individually and understands the concerns regarding the tax amounts withheld in our severance payments.

"While the tax calculations were accurate and applied in accordance with the local tax laws governing severance payments, we do understand the financial implications of a higher withholding tax.

"To address that concern, we are adding an additional payment to all affected employees. All affected employees will receive an additional payment by 3 April 2024.

"The payment was delayed due to the holidays. We hope that this adjustment provides some additional relief during this challenging time."

George Herald last month reported on EXL's explanation for the need to retrench. It said its resources needed to match the needs of its customers.

Operational requirements dictated that they reduce the number of roles required in one specific area of the business. Operations in George are continuing.

Disgruntled retrenched EXL staff members at the door of the business last week while a group of them was picketing.