Sacked for excessive internet use !!

diable

What proof do they have do you have to use the internet for work purposes?

I'd say they are being harsh and if they allow employees to use the internet/phone/toilets then they should have a documentated usage policy as you can't fire someone then make one up.

I'd speak to someone about this and get some advice in taking them to a unemployment tribunal.

Did someone snitch on you or do they monitor wed usage from the servers?

scheming_gypsy

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Maybe I'm wrong but talking to colleagues about non work related issues is what breaks are for.

unless you don't work for the Gestapo and you can chat with work colleagues as long as you still do what you get paid for.

FATBALLZ

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Maybe I'm wrong but talking to colleagues about non work related issues is what breaks are for.

Technically you are right but I've never in practice worked in a place where nobody ever spoke a word that wasn't about work unless they were on a break. There may be some specific types of jobs were it isn't possible to have non work related chat but I'm struggling to think of any.

Jarndyce

Yes they've been very canny (and/or well advised!) in going for falsifying timesheets rather than excessive internet use as the reason for dismissal. Without that I think it would have been worth a punt at an ET, assuming you're telling us the whole story and this came completely out of the blue..

Torry_Quine

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

unless you don't work for the Gestapo and you can chat with work colleagues as long as you still do what you get paid for.

FATBALLZ wrote: »

Technically you are right but I've never in practice worked in a place where nobody ever spoke a word that wasn't about work unless they were on a break. There may be some specific types of jobs were it isn't possible to have non work related chat but I'm struggling to think of any.

Yes an odd word while you're working but that isn't really the issue here is it. FB said made the link between chatting to colleagues as being the same as using the internet for personal use which is totally wrong.

pinkshoes

I'd write to them and ask them for a copy of your signed contract showing the company internet policy, and where it quantifies excessive usage. I would also politely point out in the letter that in 7 years, your work is always done to a high standard with no complaints.

Torry_Quine

pinkshoes wrote: »

I'd write to them and ask them for a copy of your signed contract showing the company internet policy, and where it quantifies excessive usage. I would also politely point out in the letter that in 7 years, your work is always done to a high standard with no complaints.

Why do we need it pointed out that doing personal things on the internet are wrong? While at work that is all you should be doing other than emergencies.

eamon

Leaving aside the timesheet issue if my employer decided on a purge of staff re internet use there wouldn't be many desk jockeys left. As to the OP I agree with SarEl and others the timesheet issue is the killer blow here. I know of people that have been sacked for abusing flexitime and overall it wasn't the amount of time defrauded that annoyed of the employer but that their trust had been abused.

SarEl

eamon wrote: »

Leaving aside the timesheet issue if my employer decided on a purge of staff re internet use there wouldn't be many desk jockeys left. As to the OP I agree with SarEl and others the timesheet issue is the killer blow here. I know of people that have been sacked for abusing flexitime and overall it wasn't the amount of time defrauded that annoyed of the employer but that their trust had been abused.

Quite. If someone arrives at work at 9:10 every day but fills in their timesheet to say 9:00, that is falsification of the timesheet. The fact that you arrived at 9:00 am and then didn't work between 14: and 14:45 because you were shopping on the internet or checking the cricket scores doesn't mean that you haven't falsified your timesheet. You have said you are working, and you aren't. Your physical location isn't relevant.

Oldernotwiser

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Maybe I'm wrong but talking to colleagues about non work related issues is what breaks are for.

That would have to be a pretty draconian policy and assumes you work somewhere that gives you breaks.