ACAS publishes social media usage guide

04.09.2011
Employment relations body ACAS has on the use of social networks in the workplace, to help them avoid disputes.

ACAS estimates that almost six out of ten staff (55 percent) now use social network like Facebook and Twitter at work, either on computers or mobile phones.

But it said some employers complain that "many staff are abusing access" by looking at personal web pages instead of working, posting derogatory comments about managers and colleagues, or buying and selling online.

ACAS says some employers like BT and HMRC have already issued their own social media policies, but that fewer than one in ten employers have such a policy.

ACAS main recommendation is that an employer should consult with staff and trade unions to spell out the "dos and don'ts" of using the internet and social media, and that they should also make clear the consequences of breaching a social media policy, which should become part of contracts of employment.

It says that when working out a policy, an employer, its staff and unions should agree to it, so employees do not feel gagged, staff and managers feel protected against online bullying, and the firm feels confident its reputation will be guarded.