Vans, Phones and Internet Abuse
Sacking people is cheaper than paying them to leave and lately a number of
companies, including BT and ComputerCenter seem to have woken up to that fact
with a vengeance!
Misuse of company vehicles and phone call abuse has taken second and third
place to Internet abuse. It is surprising how many people are still ignorant
when it comes to knowing what is and what isn't within the rules. Others claim
that although they had a feeling it might be wrong, either that rule did not
apply to them or they did not realise the seriousness of it or appreciate the
full consequences of their actions.
From time to time, BT issues notices in one form or another informing or
reminding staff about the rules. Everyone is expected to read these and is
often asked to sign to say they have. The problem is that we get so much of
the stuff that we don't always take in what it says - sometimes to our cost.
There are certain things that are taken for granted and for which there is no
excuse. . No one would expect to get off with a warning if they sold a
working telephone exchange for scrap metal or murdered their manager. We also
know that we need to be at work when we are supposed to be and be on time as
far as is within our control. And it follows that if there is a problem that
we contact our manager as soon as possible to let them know.
But some things are not so immediately clear. The term "reasonable" is used
time and time again to cover all contingences. But one person's "reasonable"
is not always the same as another's. What you can say is that if you have been
warned about something and told that your use of a mobile phone, for example,
is unreasonable, then if you continue in the same way you are heading for
trouble.
One simple rule that could save a lot of heartache is that if you are unsure,
ask your manager. Better still, to prevent any misunderstanding, get the answer
in writing, or at least witnessed.
Internet abuse is a relatively new one. Some companies claim that their staff
should know exactly what the term "abuse" means but unless it is spelt out, one
persons abuse can be another's reasonable use.
We have got so used to the ease of the Internet that we often simply don't
think about what we are doing. A little while ago, BT staff were told they
could no longer access their personal email accounts using BT equipment; even
in your own time. The logic behind this was not immediately obvious but by
now, most people should realise that accessing pornographic sites on the
company's computer is really not a good idea.
Whatever your opinions on the subject, the fact remains that if you have been
clearly told not to do something, you can expect trouble if you do it.
Just for the record, here is a list of a few things that commonly get our
members into trouble and can lead to the loss of your job!
For income tax as well as insurance reasons, you must not give lifts to anyone
unless you have direct permission from your manager. You must not use your van
for any other reason other than work. You must go home using the most direct
route and on no account stop off on your way to pick us a sheet of plaster
board from B&Q.
Of course, you are not exempt from the law just because you are driving a
company vehicle. You are responsible for the way you drive and for illegal
parking. You are also, perhaps slightly unfairly, responsible for the
condition of your vehicle and should ensure it is in a roadworthy condition.
This can be a tough one. The rules say that you can make private calls from
service lines and mobile phones - within reason. The rules are clear, however,
on international calls and premium rate numbers, which are banned unless it is in the course of your job
(very unlikely for most of us).
There are guidelines on this though. You should keep your calls as short and
as infrequent as possible and, as far as possible, they should be made in your
own time. It would be reasonable to ring your partner to let them know you
have been asked to work overtime and will be late home, but ten minute calls
made every half hour to your girlfriend is likely to lead to trouble. As are
calls made on your work mobile after work; although they do accept that it
would be reasonable to use it to call the AA if you broke down in the middle of
Bodmin Moor.
The rules on Internet use were recently tightened up but are still a bit vague.
It is now against the rules to access your personal email account using BT
equipment. The reason given for this was the fear of virus infections but the
cynics among us think it has more to do with time.
According to the BT policy document dated 6th February 2002 (which was on view
today 29/8/02), you are allowed, and even encouraged, to visit respectable
sites on the Internet. However, you should not play games or download any
potentially offensive material - which includes pornography.
Anyone who has used the Internet must, at some point have had porn sites listed
in their search results even if it was unintentional. A search for "Queen"
during the jubilee brought up some interesting options that many people would
consider offensive. But, they are usually obvious and should you click on the
link, you could be in trouble. Remember, EVERYTHING you do on the Internet, is
recorded on the computer and evidence of it will exist despite your hardest
efforts to hide it.
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