Denbighshire Council to monitor workers calls and internet

Oct 1 2008 by David Rutland, Denbigh Visitor

WORKERS employed by Denbighshire County Council are facing a strict crackdown on their internet and telephone usage.

The county council unanimously voted in a new policy last week, which will see council staff having to pay to phone home and clock off while using the internet.

Councillors say that the 12-page document, which all Denbighshire employees will have to abide by, is “not meant to be draconian”.

Inappropriate web sites are to be blocked and listening to internet radio stations is also banned, while the council expects to be reimbursed for personal phone calls.

“Office telephones and mobile phones are provided by Denbighshire County Council to assist employees in carrying out their day-to-day roles,” it reads. “Personal use of land lines and mobiles is permitted, however, DCC should be reimbursed with the cost of private calls.”

It also states that managers must ensure that their staff pay the county for personal calls and provides a database of costs.

Incoming and outgoing e-mails will be monitored and those with “inappropriate content” will not be delivered and staff could be disciplined.

One Ruthin-based employee told the Visitor: “This whole package of rules is over the top. It’s like I’m being snooped on while I’m at work.”

Have your say. Write to Visitor Letters, Vale Road, Llandudno Junction, LL31 9SL.