An updated guide to internet and e-mail policies was published
yesterday by Acas, the UK Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration
Service. The guide explains why employers should have these
policies, what they should cover and the legal and management
issues.
Without a clear policy in place employers might find it hard to tackle e-mail and internet abuse, or to deal with an employee who damages a computer network by, for example, inadvertently introducing a virus.
A policy will also help employers comply with the requirements of legislation such as the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, which – among other things - lay down the rules for the monitoring of employee communications.
Acas, which works to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations, has therefore updated its guidelines to help employers draw up policies for their particular workplace.
OUT-LAW provides a free – and recently updated – template policy that may suit your business. Registered users are free to download our Communications Policy
Monitoring staff communications is also explained in our upcoming OUT-LAW Breakfast Seminars. [link to Events Diary] These events are also free.
