HP has suspended more than 100 employees on full pay in the UK and Ireland pending an investigation into the misuse of its corporate email system to circulate pornographic material.
Fifteen people dismissed this morning for gross misconduct, according to sources. Suspects were escorted from the building and those with laptops had them taken away for investigation. An investigation of the circulation of inappropriate material at the computer giant was initiated by HP"s UK board, after the issue was forcibly brought to its attention when one of its directors received pornographic material in his email, we understand.
HP confirmed that it was investigating the misuse of its systems but said it was unable to comment in detail on the situation, beyond sending us a prepared statement, until its investigations are complete.