Sweden: Labour Court finds the summary dismissal of a department manager in a security services company to be lawful

A department manager of a security services company had administrated the purchases of technical equipment necessary for the alarm systems which his department was leasing. Several add-on items of substantial value had been included in the purchases, and the department manager stored these items in his private garage without informing the company. Furthermore, the department manager had authorised payment of five out of six of the invoices related to the equipment in violation of the authorisation order set forth by the company. He had also, without obtaining permission, allowed the company to pay for his home security alarm subscription. Eventually, the department manager was summarily dismissed.

The Labour Court found that it was proven beyond reasonable doubt that the department manager had deprived the company of its property when he brought and stored the equipment in his private garage. The Labour Court also found that it was proven beyond reasonable doubt that he had neglected to follow the company’s authorisation order and even allowed the company to pay for his private home security alarm, without the company’s permission. The Labour Court noted that the department manager’s actions resulted in a significant loss of trust, which was a fundamental part of his position as a manager of the company. On these grounds, the Labour Court found that the summary dismissal was lawful.