Improper Use of Company’s E-mail Disqualified Employee from Receiving Unemployment Compensation Benefits

Wells v. Board of Review, A-6134-06T1 (App. Div., September 19, 2008) – Plaintiff here was disqualified from receiving unemployment compensation benefits due to “misconduct connected with the work” after he was terminated for violating the company’s computer usage policy, specifically forwarding distasteful e-mail messages to his wife and others.  This case demonstrates how a clear, detailed policy regarding employees’ use of company computers and the Internet can protect the employer, especially in this time of expanded personal use of the Internet by employees at work.

Note: This article was published in the October 2008 issue of the New Jersey eAuthority.