Builder Sidney Eastham was awarded a total of $43,896 for lost and incorrectly deducted wages, costs, and hurt and humiliation for the company's treatment of him. Michael Loftus from the ERA called ACC and found the claims that Eastham was being investigated were incorrect. "They also record that on March 4 Paula Burns [the wife of IBS' owner] told ACC Mr Eastham …is not longer wanted/needed back at work." "In fact, I would go so far as to say they constitute a disgraceful attempt to disparage Mr Eastham absent any credible evidence." Loftus awarded the full compensation and said IBS was still making unfounded accusations against Eastham.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 12, 2021 01:41 UTC