CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – In a reversal, the Audubon Society of New Hampshire will give eight laid off workers four weeks severance pay.

The society laid off the workers as part of a restructuring to focus on conservation. At first, the society said it would not pay the workers any severance because they had accrued vacation pay to live on.

Now, John Gilbert, chairman of the board of trustees, said the board is paying severance to address a painful situation.

Sylvia Bradford, who managed the Concord nature store for five years, credits a public outcry over the lay offs and how they were handled for the board’s change of heart. Bradford says she certainly can use the money.

AP-ES-10-30-05 1306EST