Internet abuse > Joe Thornhill, Partner, Ward Hadaway 21 May 2009

Introduction >

Recruitment > Use of the internet to facilitate recruitment –adverts –social networking

Recruitment > Can you monitor an applicants online profile? –discrimination –Human Rights Act right to freedom of expression right to private life What is the general practice?

Recruitment > Imposing a prohibition on employee’s with online profiles

During employment > Can we restrict use of the internet during work? –policy –disciplinary action Can we prevent access to certain internet sites? –general practice –disciplinary action Can we restrict use of the internet outside work? –policy –disciplinary action

During employment > Can we monitor use of the internet during work? –employee notification –interception of communications regulations Can we monitor use of the internet outside work? –human rights - right to private life

During employment > Can we use information/evidence we find to take action?

Disciplinary action > Excessive use of the internet

Disciplinary action > Breach of confidentiality –injunction –damages

Disciplinary action > Comments: –offensive comments –discriminatory comments –defamatory comments –critical comments

Disciplinary action > Bullying Discrimination Harassment –Majrowski –v- St Thomas’s NHS Trust

Miscellaneous > Who owns the information on the networking sites? Can we communicate with employees through the networking medium: –general –dismissal –meetings

Questions? >

Your speaker today > Joe Thornhill Tel: Fax: