- 69% of employers have banned social network sites, such as Facebook

- 79% of employers have disciplined staff for using social networking sites in company time without authorisation

- 12% of bosses admit to checking their Facebook status on a regular basis in company time

Almost, 7 in 10 bosses have banned social network websites such as Facebook in the workplace according to employment law firm, Peninsula. Deb Gibbons, Head of Employee Relations at Peninsula said today "It seems Facebook and other social network sites are becoming such a distraction in the workplace, and if it's causing a problem then we recommend employers banning such sites."

"Our research shows that many employers have decided to ban Facebook and other social network sites, some companies have resorted to letting their employees use the internet during their lunch break, but approach this with caution. Implementing such a strategy needs to be monitored carefully, so that workers are not abusing your IT policy and systems."

"There is certainly more employers putting a stop to using social websites in the workplace when only 34% of employers took action this time last year proving the problem seems to be worsening. Employers are frustrated hence why they are introducing prohibited use and it only seems right. Why should employers pay workers to surf social network sites during company time? We have already done the research, social networking costs bosses 30.8 billion a year*." comments Ms Gibbons.

"Internet abuse is a growing problem that is confined not just to the likes of social network sites but can also include instant messaging, email abuse and other forms of internet mis-management. However the latest trends in social networking is a problem which seems to be growing. I'm finding that there is increased anger and frustration from employers based on loss of productivity and it seems employers want to get something done about it."

Ms Gibbons concludes; "Employers should communicate to staff misuse of social network sites wastes both company time and equipment and will not be tolerated. If you wish to be flexible make provisions to allow use out of company time. Employees found falling foul should be disciplined as per company disciplinary procedures. If all fails then you will need to consider a total ban of Facebook."