“I’m not sure if an employer is challenged that they’ll get that across the line,” she says. Picture: David Alexander/AAP/SNPAĪn organisation would have to have a detailed internet policy that made it clear that looking at inappropriate content is grounds for summary dismissal. Members of the public look at a makeshift memorial. Ms Mills says “we can make moral judgments about that, but the question is whether that impairs an employer’s confidence in an employee or acted in a manner that’s totally inconsistent with a company’s culture” - the threshold for a firing rather than a warning. “People are grappling and trying to come to terms with the shootings, which has led some seeking to see what happened.” “I’m aware of a lot of employees trying to get access to this content out of concern,” she says.

He says their colleagues are surprised and upset to find out they’re watching such a horrific video on the job.Įmployment lawyer Jennifer Mills believes the sackings for watching the Christchurch clip at work could be challenged. That’s according to Cyber Research, which monitors internal computer use for about 50 companies - including some of New Zealand’s biggest corporates.Īt least one person has been fired for watching the video in the presence of other employees, while others have been let go for sharing it with workmates.įounder Steve Byrne says many companies have had three to five employees look up the video at work. Kiwi workers have been fired for watching the Christchurch shooter’s lifestream at work and sharing it with colleagues

Christchurch shooting video watch