Sacked man must pay $4000 for internet use

A man must pay his former employers more than $4000 for excessive internet use despite winning an employment case.

Martyn Williams was employed by Camira Furniture in Auckland from April 2005 until his dismissal in August 2005.

The company's director said Mr Williams was dismissed because he was not professional, not fostering good relationships with clients and was failing to generate business.

He had also crashed the company car, causing it to be impounded by police, cost the company at least $4500 in personal internet use and still owed it $135 for other personal costs.

The Employment Relations Authority found the dismissal was unjustified because the company had not given Mr Williams clear and specific warnings and did not tell him his employment was in jeopardy unless he repaid the money he owed.

It ordered Camira Furniture to pay Mr Williams $3500 on the grounds that he experienced embarrassment because his employment was terminated at his employer's choice and not his own.

However, The ERA said it was satisfied Mr Williams owed the company money and ordered him to pay Camira Furniture $4635.

- NZPA