Employees Face Discipline over Facebook

Employees found misusing internet networking websites like Facebook or MySpace will face disciplinary hearings, it was warned earlier today.Local district councils, such as the Vale of the White Horse and Oxfordshire County Council have already put measures in place to prevent employees from accessing the site, but elsewhere, staff have been warned "we are watching you" as access remains unrestricted.Oxford City Councillor Dr Tia McGregor commented: "Employees have a responsibility not to waste time. I think some people are spending too much time on it."The past five years have seen as many as 21 council employees disciplined on the grounds of internet misuse. Under a revised internet policy, some businesses are allowing networking websites were left open for employees to use, though the changes are being monitored to ensure that workers do not abuse the priviledge, with regular usage reports are being produced to ensure employers are aware of the situation.Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce spokesman Claire Prosser said: "These sites are highly addictive. Businesses are under enough pressure to become more efficient and issues such as this add to their already mounting workload."