According to the CBI the average UK office worker spends 95 minutes of their working week surfing the web for personal use. This they estimate costs the economy £10.6 billion a year.

The research showed that many employers are supportive, in principal, of staff visiting non-work related websites. Employers regard it as employee motivator or a modern day tea break. Some employers reported that they are concerned by the amount of use, or have had to sack staff for serious abuse.

With Wimbledon underway and the Beijing Olympics only a month away employers need to make sure that employees are aware of their policy on use.

It is important that businesses have a policy on computer use, not only for employment law issues but also to deal with the issue of potential employer benefits. Please do get in touch if you would like any guidance on this area.

Internet links: CBI press release

back