Third of bloggers 'risk the sack'

Human resources company Croner, which commissioned the study, warned that such bloggers could be sacked from their job for gross misconduct.

Croner surveyed 2,000 people who keep a personal internet blog or diary and 39% said that they made harmful comments.

Bloggers should consider the potential impact of all postings, Croner said.

'False security'

Gillian Dowling, technical consultant at Croner, said the situation was similar to the widespread introduction of e-mail in the 1990s.

She said bloggers had to take care that they were not lulled into "a false sense of security" by the informality and ease of posting their thoughts and opinions.

"If there is a negative impact on the organisation's corporate image which is so serious that it breaches the implied term of mutual trust and confidence, the employee could be dismissed for gross misconduct," said Ms Dowling.

"The blog could also be evidence of other conduct issues or reveal workplace discrimination or bullying."

Ms Dowling added that bloggers could also get sacked for revealing confidential secrets or sensitive financial data.

"Employers need to ensure that they carefully consider the impact of blogging on their organisation and take appropriate steps to minimise any potential risk," she said.

The study was conducted for Croner by internet research group YouGov.

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