IPA Systems did unfairly sack Manbir Oberoi, an employment tribunal has decreed, but the sum of compensation awarded to him must be reduced by 25% to reflect the part he played in his own demise.
The amount of compensation will be decided at a remedies hearing on 3 July.
Oberoi was dismissed from Redhill-based IPA in late 1998, after three years as international sales director. IPA claimed he verbally abused staff, breached sales contract rules, and published "false and malicious" statements about his boss, Tullio Ponzi, in a fax to him.
At the hearing, which took seven days stretched over eight months, Oberoi admitted his behaviour at work was not always perfect, but contended that any misdemeanours were committed on Ponzis orders. A number of former IPA employees gave evidence about the way Ponzi ran the business, claiming he was a bully who controlled staff by making them fear for their jobs and had no respect for the law.
In its conclusions, the tribunal said IPA did not show there was "fair reason" for Oberois dismissal, nor did it properly investigate the allegations of bad conduct. However, it added that "he was himself in some degree culpable and had played some role in causing his own dismissal therefore it would be just to reduce both the basic and the compensatory award by 25%".
Oberoi, who was not represented for most of the hearing, said he was "very pleased" with the outcome, "not only for myself but for all the other ex-employees whose lives have been ruined by Tullio Ponzi. Now they know they dont have to suffer in silence, even if they cant afford a team of solicitors. It is high time that Tullio Ponzi realised he cannot get away with his illegal activities forever."
Oberoi, who now works as a pre-press consultant in Italy, said he was hoping for compensation of around 25,000, less 25%, but added he expected Ponzi would "do everything he can not to pay it".
Story by Tania Mason