Social Media and Unfair Dismissal: Don't Tweet your way to a P45 (Employee Rescue Guide)

Social media is a way of using the internet to interact and share business as well as personal interests with other people all over the world. 24 million people in Britain log on to Facebook every day and LinkedIn has 15 million users as does Twitter. In addition to these main players there are various other platforms, blogs, forums and comment spaces on information websites. Suffice it to say that social media is huge and you are probably a user of one or more of these platforms. Together with emails and text messaging, the one thing they all have in common is that using them carelessly may cost you your job and worse. Misuse or inappropriate use of social media, email and text messaging can create criminal and civil liability for you and your employer. Most criminal offences that can be committed by using words or images can be committed using social media, and the legal repercussions are the same as off-line activity. There is no specific regulation of social media, so existing employment, criminal, data protection and human rights laws apply. This essential guide breaks down the law in a user friendly way so that you can easily apply cases to your particular situation and is supplemented by information on the website - www.employeerescue.co.uk . It covers everything you need to know, taking you quickly and simply through essential information on; -Your legal rights -Case law -Remedies and compensation -Templates -The latest information on social media in employment The fact that you have used social media or the internet inappropriately will not always lead to dismissal if you use this Guide to thoroughly prepare your case and defence. In a worst case scenario, your preparation could give you enough ammunition to negotiate a settlement agreement and leave on agreed terms rather than be dismissed. By using this book you will have the tools to understand and address the different problems that can arise with the Internet, E-mail, Social Media and other electronic communication tools and applications. It is essential reading for employees, trade union officials, and employee representatives. The Contents include; Social media and internet use mistakes Vicarious liability Harassment and discrimination Breach of contract Implied duties Cyber bullying, trolling and mobbing Restrictive covenants Disciplinary action Employers duty to act reasonably and follow a fair procedure The ACAS code How to defend yourself with checklist Writing your statement of defence and template