Time to get tough on workplace porn say experts

SLASHING the amount work of time employees waste viewing porn on the internet has become a key management priority, according to a leading employment lawyer.

The news comes as obscene pornographic and sexually violent images on the internet are to be banned under new proposals being announced this week. A new offence of possession of violent and abusive pornography would mean any images acquired electronically would be illegal. All other forms of pornographic material are forbidden under the Obscene Publications Act 1959, but the internet is not covered Neil Gouldson, head of employment at national law firm Rowe Cohen, says employees with internet access should have a ínon-abuseí clause written into their Contract of Employment stating exactly what is, and what is not, permissible:

Clauses should put limits on the length of time, times of day and type of connection made, when private use of the internet is allowed. Many organisations accept that allowing employees to email friends and relations make travel arrangements or shop on-line during lunch or rest breaks is conducive to good employee relations.

Many large organisations around the world have already grasped this nettle, he maintains, It is perfectly possible to monitor and limit employeesí internet and email activity and establish clear guiding principles in their contacts. Better monitoring, tougher contracts and stricter disciplinary procedures should be in place.

For further information please contact

Neil Gouldson at Rowe Cohen - 0161 830 4600