Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Landmark dismissal over employee's internet use

Updated at 7:49 am on 12 October 2008

An Employment Court ruling that supports the dismissal of a woman for flouting her employers' internet policy is being hailed as a landmark decision.

The Society for Promotion of Community Standards says the ruling defends the right of employers to enforce their rules on internet use.

The Employment Court ruling overturns an earlier determination by the Employment Relations Authority, which upheld a wrongful dismissal claim by Jessica Wood, and awarded her damages.

Miss Wood was dismissed as an administrative assistant by the Wellington firm, Arthur D Riley, after distributing an offensive email.

Now the Employment Court has ruled the sacking was justified because Miss Wood was aware of her employer's policy and had received prior verbal warnings.

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