Two Customs officers who say they were wongfully sacked have won their employment case.
John Smith and Glenn Rankin, of Christchurch, lost their jobs over allegations they leaked information to a newspaper about searches carried out by a gay colleague.
However, the Employment Relations Authority has found there was insufficient evidence that the men were responsible for leaking the information and ordered that they be reinstated in their previous jobs with the Customs Service.
No compensation was ordered for hurt and humiliation as the authority found the men contributed in part to their dismissals.
The authority also ordered that the Customs Service to pay their wages since the date of their dismissal.
A spokesperson for the Customs says the service is unhappy with the decision and will lodge an appeal.
He says in the meantime, Customs' commitment is to the well-being of all staff in its Christchurch operation and maintaining a safe and positive working environment.
