Union's action threat over web abuse
UNION leaders have warned they will take legal action against anyone targeting social workers and other council staff for abuse on social media websites.
Neath Port Talbot Council has now adopted its first social media policy designed in part to explain to staff the correct use of sites such as Twitter and Facebook.
At the same time it provides protection for staff who have been attacked through these sites.
And leading local government union Unison has said it will use the new procedures to take legal action against those responsible.
Union branch chairman Mark Fisher said the lack of a formal policy had been a cause for concern since 2010, when several staff were suspended and three lost their jobs for inappropriate internet use during work time. There were no guidelines in place.
"We have now put procedures in place to stop people using these sites while they are at work," said Mr Fisher.
"At the same time there have been issues where a number of our members were potentially being targeted on Facebook and Twitter, and they had no redress.
"Social workers involved with child protection cases have had to go in and, quite rightly, take children away. They, and other staff such as enforcement officers, were then being targeted just for doing their job.
"It was easy for family members to pick on them through social media sites. Now we have something in place that will protect and support them."
One section of the policy document is aimed at staff authorised to use social media on behalf of the council.
There is also advice for staff who can only use it during their personal time.
It also confirms the council will consider taking action against anyone making untrue or defamatory comments against staff.
Mr Fisher said: "If people do target our members then they will be prosecuted.
"The evidence will be there and we will use that evidence to build up a case to prosecute them. This is a big step forward, one we have pushed for. It's a supportive measure for all our staff."
Source here
8 comments:
This is a desperate attempt by Neath Port Talbot to cover their own backs.
Everything you have printed mate about the Council and other's is "TRUE" you have backed it up with concrete evidence WHICH CANNOT BE DISPUTED.
This is just another ploy by the Council to protect themselves.
Good Luck with your campaign
DG
This is an excellent way forward.
Lets have a test case.
" I said in a witness statement that I had witnessed gross abuse of a baby and Social Services and the Police were covering it up."
I was asked by the judge to withdraw my statement. And, lie about what I witnessed!!!.
Ok GMB and Unison who would be guilty parties in covering up a crime bring it on.
Try taking a test case to Court.
You will have over 200,000 witnesses in court.
The Council are protecting Social Services.
What are the Council trying to do, gag us all,what about Freedom of information,also Right to free speech.
I'm glad to see people like you are speaking out for people's right's top man.
Rich
Press Control again.
Jim
Council's are frightened, that People are made aware on the internet, of the crimes the Council are commiting,and are trying to Stop!people like you from exposing them.
They control the Courts but they cannot control public.
Sade
Social Services seem to be above the Law. what i would like to know why aren't the government kicking out rotten social workers.
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