HP confirms 150 suspended in email porn probe

HP has officially confirmed that it has suspended 150 staff as part of its investigation into the misuse of corporate email system in distributing "inappropriate material". Around 60 permanent and 90 contractors are under investigation.

Yesterday we reported that HP had suspended more than 100 people in the UK and Ireland and dismissed 15 for gross misconduct, as part of an investigation into the misuse of its corporate email system to circulate pornographic material.

A spokeswoman for HP got in touch this afternoon to correct us on the numbers of people involved, and to send us a revised statement on the investigation. She said that far fewer than 15 people had been dismissed so far, telling us that the figure was "less than five".

In its revised statement, HP said: "HP can confirm that it is currently investigating the misuse of the company email system that contravenes its internal policy for all employees. HP can confirm that this involves the viewing and sharing of unauthorised and inappropriate material. This matter is being addressed with the utmost urgency through HP's internal investigatory procedures.

"HP takes any allegations of the misuse of corporate resources extremely seriously and has acted swiftly to initiate an internal investigation. Once the results of the investigation are available, HP will, where necessary, apply its standard disciplinary process and take appropriate action.

"Currently approximately 60 permanent employees and approximately 90 contract staff have been suspended. A small number of permanent employees have been dismissed to date and the majority of impacted contract staff have been removed from HP offices." ®