Hi Fiona,
What does the policy referred to in the first paragraph tell staff is
"occasional and reasonable personal use"?
It seems to me that this message is largely OK but it is vague about core
concepts. Unless there are clear and reasonable rules about what is
considered to be "offensive, vulgar or other inappropriate" content or
behaviour any disciplinary action based on sending it is likely to be unfair
within the terms of the ACAS Code of Practice etc. Is "offensive" content an
offence if it doesn't offend the recipient? How do you know if the content
of your e-mail is inappropriate? (Don't answer that - it may be
"inappropriate"!) Is it inappropriate for a trade union member to send a
message to a steward saying she's being bullied by her manager? The manager
may well think so!
Of course if all these things are covered in other statements and policies
this may not be a problem - in which case some clear cross-references would
be a good idea.
Paul
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