Compensation awarded to dismissed online shopper

Self will receive $8000 in compensation and more than $5000 in lost remuneration.

A Christchurch woman who was accused of shopping online on company time has been awarded $8000 in lost wages and compensation.

Victoria Self was employed by consultancy firm Receivables Management Limited (RML) in 2014, but was unjustifiably dismissed by her employer just over a month later.

Her 90-day employment trial was cut short after colleagues reported to managers that she was "always" on Trade Me and personal internet sites.

Following her dismissal, the case was taken to the Employment Relations Authority which found the company breached conditions of trial provisions and has since been ordered to pay compensation on the grounds of humiliation and to make up lost wages.

Self claims she was denied a "dignified exit" and "humiliated in front of other staff members" following an unexpected termination letter.

She said her manager Ross Fleming forced her to pack up her belongings and leave the company premises after a brief meeting.

Self, who worked with the consultancy firm in 2014 between July and August, said she was unjustifiably disadvantaged as the company failed to comply with its human resources policy.

RML denied this, adding that Self did not sign an IEA employment contract when she started the job.

The court heard the company had taken Self aside on multiple occasions to discuss her behavior and performance prior to termination of employment.

At the time, Receivables Management Limited investigated claims from fellow colleagues and checked internet history which found Self had been browsing non-related work sites.

She was also told to spend less time socialising and more time at her desk.

Other colleagues said her "continued socialising" with another female employee was considered sexual harassment, however, human resources adviser Joanne Cameron said no complaint was made.

Her former employer stated that given her "poor performance" and "failure to modify her behaviour and performance despite issues having been raised" it believes the termination was justified.

Member of Authority Christine Hickey found the decision to dismiss Self was "not a decision that a fair and reasonable employer could have made in all the circumstances at the time."

RML said in a statement during the process that the details of Self's behavior should have be taken into account to reduce her remedies.

Self will receive $8000 in compensation and more than $5000 in lost remuneration.