There was a rise in the number of UK council workers suspended last year for allegedly breaking social media rules, according to a Freedom of Information request made by BBC Radio 5 live. The response showed that more than 51 workers were suspended for social media use breaches and 11 were suspended for viewing online porn. 114 council staff were issued with warnings for breaching social media guidelines, a drop of 4% on 2014, but there was a 19% rise in the number of suspensions. The full picture may not, however, be clear as only 169 councils provided data. 22 refused and 27 did not reply to the FOI request. The figures serve to emphasise the need for employers to have clear policies about social media and internet use which are fully communicated to all staff.

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