Security fear at Metro HQ
Apr 21 2007
By Peter Young, The Evening Chronicle
A security probe is under way at the Newcastle HQ of transport operator Nexus following the alleged misuse of computers.
Managers say three staff were initially suspended on pay but are now back at work after it was decided they hadn't broken rules.
Several other staff have been granted leave on pay while the inquiry continues but Nexus, which runs the Metro service, says they are not suspended.
The investigation revolves around claims that people accessed internal Nexus files and records without authority. One member of staff said: "Speculation about what is going on is rife."
A Nexus spokesman refused to give details but said alleged irregularities do not involve pornography, financial files or information about customers.
Nexus said: "We are investigating issues around our IT security concerning internal files.
"No staff are suspended because of this.
"A number of staff have been granted special leave while the inquiry takes place, as they are unable to do their jobs in the meantime.
"This has not affected the service we offer the public and we expect the inquiry to be completed within two weeks.
"Three members of staff were suspended at an earlier stage, however we concluded they had not broken any rules and they have returned to work."
A spokesman for the staff union, Unison, said: "They were not suspended in the normal sense of the word. They had taken time off to enable the inquiry to proceed."
Nexus which runs the Metro employs 1,000 people and the investigation is at the organisation's HQ, Nexus House, in Westgate Road, where 300 people work.
Managers say staff have been kept informed about the progress of the investigation.
