GPMU Anglia branch officer Steve Sibbald, who represented Brotherton at the tribunal, said he was "very satisfied" with the outcome.

Brotherton has been reinstated with full continuity of service and the same terms and conditions as before.

The tribunal criticised Polestar Colchester for the "cavalier manner" of its investigation into the case.

It deemed that the plant had unfairly dismissed Brotherton following problems with the printing on 6 March 2001 of Glaxo SmithKline recruitment adverts in the New Scientist magazine.

The colour surrounding the trailer on one page was different from the one that appeared on another two pages.

At a disciplinary meeting on 13 March 2001 Brotherton was accused of failing to comply with "management lawful instructions" and was dismissed immediately.

Polestar Colchester managing director Peter Schofield left the company earlier this year, but the group said his departure was unrelated to the Brotherton case and that it was by mutual consent.

Bob Caley is acting as managing director while Polestar searches for a replacement.