Employers could be open to harassment claims due to the rise in blog bullying in the workplace.
The potential to cause others offence online or through blogs was highlighted last week by Labour MP Sion Simon’s YouTube parody of David Cameron’s blog, which has been watched by more than 11,000 people
Blogs are now increasingly being used by employees in the workplace to embarrass, bully or harass bosses or co-workers.
Small businesses could be at risk if these activities occur, as employers have a duty to provide a safe place of work and to maintain proper controls on personal data.
Employers could be breaching these duties if blogs were to be used inappropriately by employees. This leaves employers open to bullying and harassment claims.
Further problems are faced due to the anonymous nature of blogging and the difficulties faced in tracing those responsible.
However, Edward Benson, employment expert at law firm Browne Jacobson advises that there are some options left open to employers should this form of harassment occur.
These include making sure the business’ IT system is not being used for the bullying, and checking whether the Internet Service Provider (ISP) can identify who is responsible for the blog.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2006
