AS if HP doesnt have enough on their plate with the compaq merger...

HP Fires Two, Suspends 150, for Email Abuse
Wed Jul 17,11:41 AM ET

LONDON (Reuters) - Computer and printer maker Hewlett-Packard Co. has suspended approximately 150 staff in Britain and Ireland and dismissed two for inappropriate use of company email, the company said on Wednesday. It would not say in detail what they did wrong, but the move comes as firms are widely cracking down on employees' use of email to distribute pornography and tasteless jokes.

The fate of the suspended full-time employees will be determined following a company investigation, a spokeswoman said. HP said approximately 60 permanent employees and 90 contract staff have been suspended.

A majority of the contract employees, many of which were outsourced from other companies, have been asked to leave HP offices, the company said.

"HP can confirm that this involves the viewing and sharing of unauthorized and inappropriate material," a statement from HP said.

Jim Kent, general manager for HP in the UK and Ireland, said two employees in a Scotland office have been dismissed so far. He added that HP considers it a company violation, but not a criminal matter.