Here's a blurb I discovered in today's paper but couldn't find online:

RadioShack Corp. notified about 400 workers by e-mail that they were being dismissed immediately as part of planned job cuts.

Employees at the Fort Worth headquarters got messages Tuesday morning saying: "The work force reduction notification is currently in progress. Unfortunately your position is one that has been eliminated."

Company officials had told employees in a series of meetings that layoff notices would be delivered electronically, spokeswoman Kay Jackson said. She said employees were invited to ask questions before Tuesday's notification on a company intranet site.

Jackson said the electronic notification was quicker and allowed more privacy than breaking the news in person.

I guess if you don't have to look someone in the eye to sack them, it would be quicker and more private. Like those who are left wouldn't know you were fired once you stopped coming to work. Maybe you're on extended holiday?

EDIT: Here's a link the story, though not much is added: http://www.topix.net/content/ap/3147966417282136525035740378523814631940...