Nearly half of Brits (43%) would feel outraged if an employer used a social networking site such as Facebook, Bebo and Friends Reunited to look for information about them and 56% consider such actions unethical, according to research by employment experts Manpower.

In contrast, the independent reveals that a significant number of people are using social networking sites for work related tasks: 17% use the sites to research potential employers, 10% for networking and generating new business, and 17% for other work reasons.

Jason Greaves, Director of Commercial Staffing at Manpower UK, says: "The world of work is changing and the explosive growth of social networking sites provides a new way for people to communicate with each other. Although the primary use of these sites seems to be for personal reasons, employers and employees alike are now using the sites for work purposes, which can save both time and money."

Although some people (30%) are not worried that their personal information may be accessed by potential employers over the Internet, others are more concerned. Four in ten of those surveyed have already limited their personal information online due to concerns that employers will be able to access information about them.

64% would not be happy to be interviewed online or by other virtual means, but this is likely to become more acceptable in the future. When asked about the world of work in ten years time, 87% of Brits thought that technology will play a bigger role in how people work, 65% said they thought more job interviews would be conducted over the Internet, and 78% thought that people would limit their personal information available on the net because of concerns that companies will be able to access it. .

Jason continues: "It's good to see that people are not only embracing new technology in the workplace but that they recognise that technology will play a bigger role in their career prospecting and development in the future. In recognition of this, many innovative companies including Manpower have an island in Second Life which can be used as a virtual method of interacting with candidates and sharing thought leadership. It is exciting to think that we will be more empowered in our job hunting, recruitment, and career development because of virtual worlds and interactive technology.

"Moreover, workers need to be sure they are continually learning and training as this will boost their employability both now and in the future. In this area, Manpower is ahead of the curve because we allow our own employees and temporary staff to learn wherever they have an internet connected computer".