| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 29/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 1 |
| Copyright: Other |
Thomson axes staff over Internet porn
Market leader sacks employees for viewing pornography on computers at work
Disturbing trend in industry exposed
Report by JEREMY SKIDMORE
THOMSON has sacked a number of staff and severely reprimanded many others for viewing and passing on pornographic images from the Internet.Employees were caught viewing and passing on images via e-mail attachments. Some staff were also discovered downloading obscene images straight from the Internet onto their computers.
The market leader has taken a very tough stance on a growing problem for travel companies which is likely to be followed by the rest of the industry.
Thomson Holidays managing director Shaun Powell said he was shocked at the type of material some staff were viewing and sending on, describing it as “very disturbing”.
The operator is currently carrying out disciplinary procedures for some staff.
He said rumours of up to 50 suspensions and 30 sackings were grossly exaggerated but admitted “a handful” of people would lose their jobs.
“We discovered that some people had received material via e-mail and were then pushing it around the company or sending it to other people in different companies,” Powell said. “There was also some downloading of material but that is easier to stop with controls on Internet usage.
“We reviewed the material to make sure it wasn’t a case of prosecuting someone for doing 31mph in a 30 mph zone. But it was more like they were doing 90mph.
“The material was very disturbing. I like to think I’m broad minded but this material just wasn’t funny.
“One of the biggest issues for us waspeople sending it on from Thomson because that then becomes damaging to the company.
“The worst offenders are being dealt with and a handful will lose their jobs.” Most of the culprits are junior staff.
Powell said he felt it was a big issue in the travel industry and it was important to take strong action.
“I know of at least four other travel companies who have been through this. It is a new phenomenon and soon there will be procedures on what is and is not acceptable.
“We have also had obscene material sent in from employees of companies outside the travel industry and I shall be writing to them to see if they are aware of this.”
Hot stuff: this image is tame in comparison with the obscene pictures accessed by Thomson staff