Let's hope that if these were mistakes, that the former employees affected can receive at least an apology and explanation, and perhaps offers to restore their

Let's hope that if these were mistakes, that the former employees affected can receive at least an apology and explanation, and perhaps offers to restore their position (it sounds like one of them has a tentative return offer). If accidental, and assuming a continuous-improvement policy within the company, it could also be an opportunity to understand how the wrongful terminations took place.