Summary
A UK judge ruled that spending less than an hour online during work for personal reasons is not a valid reason for firing an employee. An accountant, Ms. Lanuszka, was awarded over £14,000 after a tribunal found her dismissal for browsing personal websites unfair.
Key Facts
- A UK judge decided that brief online shopping at work is not a reason to fire someone.
- Ms. Lanuszka, an accountancy administrator, received more than £14,000 after her unfair dismissal.
- Her employer used spyware to track her time spent on personal activities.
- The judge found that a significant part of her browsing time was for professional development.
- There was no company policy against personal computer use during work hours.
- The judge noted her boss had also used a work computer for personal reasons.
- Ms. Lanuszka's firing happened around the arrival of the business owner's sister, which may have influenced the decision.
- There were no prior warnings or conduct issues on Ms. Lanuszka's record.
