In a message dated 09/02/2001 21:35:11 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< I think we are confusing the privacy expected for the use of telephones and
to a lesser extent email with that of ordinary mail. From an employee's
perspective the use of a telephone for private matters during work hours may
be unavoidable (not so sure now with the increasing numbers of mobile
phones). If the employer permits the phones to be used for private matters
then privacy ought to be expected too. Ditto for email, although it is more
arguable if it is as essential as an ordinary telephone. >>
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I think you'll find that eventually there is no difference between the
various types of communication - the lines of distinction are already
blurred. "Ordinary" mail as you call it is already in decline. Why, only
the other day Mr Hague said he was going to send a political e-mail to
everyone who gave their e-mail address at a countryside rally. How many of
them gave a work address?
Faxes used to be separate from computers, now they can be received and
generated within your normal processing function. Letters are usually word
processed, sometimes you change your mind and send it as an e-mail.
Personally, I think privacy is privacy - regardless of the method of
transmission.
But equally I think work is work. There are times when employees will work
and deal with private matters whilst on your premises. The trick is to have
a dividing line as to how much you will tolerate - what about Lottery
syndicates, pools, raffles, organising evenings out and the like? Surely you
wouldn't stop staff doing these things. And what if the postroom staff
opened an internal "personal" letter containing your twenty quid for the
Christmas lunch?
Ian B
MD
Keep IT Legal Ltd
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