Firms 'should allow personal e-mails'

Employers have sweeping powers to monitor e-mails

Firms are being urged to allow staff "occasional and reasonable" use of personal e-mails as long as it does not interfere with their work.

The TUC is calling on employers to draw up sensible guidelines over the use of e-mails and access to the internet in offices.

The unions organisation suggests that a code of practice should be agreed between employers and unions to encourage responsible behaviour as well as safeguarding workers' privacy.

The TUC's approach, which is backed by the Industrial Society, says workers should be warned that e-mails could be scanned for obscene, indecent or racist remarks.

Many workers' may find their surfing habits under scrutiny

TUC general secretary John Monks said recent regulations, giving employers sweeping powers to monitor their workers' e-mails and internet activity, had left many people worried that managers might be "snooping" on their personal e-mails.

The rules came into force in the UK under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

And the TUC also says staff should be told that their e-mails could be checked if they were absent or went on holiday without leaving contact numbers.

The new rules allow employers to monitor staff phone calls, e-mails and internet activity without consent, for a wide range of reasons.

But many campaigners believe they directly contravene the Human Rights and Data Protection Acts, which state individuals have a right to privacy at work.

Mr Monks said: "Employers fear that if they open any e-mail containing private information they could be breaching the Human Rights Act.

"But instead of reacting by banning the personal use of e-mail at work, it makes more sense for employers to consult with their workforce and draw up guidance which protects and reassures everyone."

Will Hutton, chief executive of the Industrial Society said the "explosion" of new technologies in the workplace carried risks as well as rewards.