QVC: Investigation is not a layoff

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — A spokeswoman for QVC issued a statement Thursday to clarify the circumstances that left more than 200 employees locked out of their jobs.

The company is investigating whether employees improperly withdrew money from their 401K plans, spokeswoman Tara Hunter said.

Employees gathered outside the Rocky Mount plant Wednesday said they had received letters advising them to schedule a meeting within 48 hours with a company loss prevention specialist and human resources representative to prove their hardship loans were legitimate.

"Failure to set up a meeting will indicate your decision to voluntarily resign from the company," the letter stated.

Hunter specifically said the company was not laying people off and that any employees who miss hours due to the investigation “will be made whole.”

“Every employee involved in the investigation will have an opportunity to meet with us to discuss the allegations,” Hunter said. She added that no decisions had been made about the conduct of individual employees.