Be clear on phone and internet usage

How do you feel about your domestic staff – nanny, live-in carer, housekeeper, etc. – using your phone or internet access for personal use?

It is apparently an area you would be wise to clarify as a recent Employment Tribunal case has highlighted.

In this case, the claimant had been dismissed for precisely these reasons:  use of the telephone and internet for personal purposes without consent.  She testified that she had not been warned that these practices were not permitted or the consequences and extent of the disciplinary action should she continue.

The tribunal ruled in her favour, on the basis that her dismissal did not fall within the range of reasonable behaviour and, following this, the Respondents appealed.

So, you need to clarify the situation with your staff, and whatever you agree, you should confirm this in writing, signed and dated!