Member Article

York solicitors turn the spotlight on social media in mock employment tribunal

Langleys Solicitors in York is putting the use of social media by employees under the spotlight at a mock employment tribunal.

The use of Twitter and Facebook by staff carries significant potential risks for businesses, particularly in relation to productivity and reputation. It also has the potential to be used to bully and harass in the workplace, according to the firm.

Langleys’ mock employment tribunal – on Thursday 6 March – will have a Facebook theme and demonstrate the importance for employers to draft and implement a clear social media policy and to effectively communicate to staff their expectations on social media usage.

Stephen Elliott, partner in employment law at Langleys, said: “There are potential hazards for employers of staff using social media in the workplace – our mock tribunal will highlight these and how a robust social media policy can help prevent its indiscriminate, and in some cases, costly use by employees.”

Langleys’ employment team will replicate an authentic tribunal hearing, covering legal submissions, evidence, cross-examination and a final decision.

Open to employers, managers and HR professionals, the mock employment tribunal is free and takes place on Thursday 6 March at The Food Research & Environment Agency (FERA), Sand Hutton, York, 8.30am-12 noon.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .