Employees Christmas shopping in work on Monday 10th December will cost UK businesses 90 million

Survey Stats:
- 38% of employees will use company time to shop online on Monday 10th December
- Previous Peninsula research has shown that online shopping peaks on the 2nd Monday of December since 2004
- On Monday, Employee internet shopping will cost UK employers 90 million
- Employees will spend on average 50 minutes online Christmas shopping

According to research by employment law firm Peninsula, online Christmas shopping on Monday will cost UK bosses 90 million. Peninsula's research into employee trends since 2004 shows that 38% percent of employees will spend on average 50 minutes of company time online browsing the internet on Monday to complete last minute Christmas shopping. Research has shown that the number of employees shopping online in work time will be at it's highest on Monday 10th December. The total cost to UK employers for the day will be 90 million.

Peter Done, managing director of Peninsula said today; ìObviously Christmas proves to be a busy period for online retailers, as employees prefer the convenience of shopping from their desk rather than venturing into the Christmas crowds however it will also have a detrimental impact on businesses. It appears that more employees are turning to the internet to purchase presents. As online shopping becomes easier and more convenient so does the temptation to use company time to online shop.î

Mr Done continues; ìWe have found that employers are reasonably flexible, allowing employees to use company facilities to use the internet mostly before and after work and during lunch breaks. Websites entice employees to spend more time browsing and this can easily intrude into company time. Even an occasional glance can turn into half an hour browsing. But why should employers allow their workers to waste company time whilst online shopping when in reality they are being paid to do a job?î continues Mr Done.

ìIt appears from our research that many employees are simply not taking IT policies serious. In addition to blocking access to certain websites, employers should instigate an acceptable use IT and internet policy within their organisation, making it clear to staff exactly what they are and are not permitted to do and the time parameters in which to access such sites. If an employer does not have a policy they may find it more difficult to restrict or monitor employees using such facilities.î

Employers can block access to inappropriate websites using screening software but these issues should be made clear through employment policies. It is a good idea to remind staff of such policies at this time of the year.

Mr Done concludes, ìIf an employee is not made fully aware of a companyís policy on internet usage, the company they work for may have difficulty taking disciplinary action, even when a perceived abuse of any such facility occurs. Bosses should continually remind staff that abusing company facilities such as online shopping in company time is simply not tolerated. Repeated abuse may result in the employer taking action whenever anyone oversteps the mark.î