Social Media Use: Issues For Employers

The use of social media in the workplace has become more and more prevalent, and inevitably there have been an increasing number of employment tribunal cases dealing with related issues.  The recent unreported employment tribunal case of Crisp v Apple Retail demonstrates the importance of an employer giving careful consideration to how it will respond to the risks associated with the use of social media, in particular the importance of a strong social media policy.

Mr Crisp, who worked at an Apple store, posted derogatory comments on his Facebook page about his work and certain Apple products. One of Mr Crisp's colleagues brought a number of these posts to the attention of Mr Crisp's store leader.  As a result Mr Crisp was suspended from his role and following a disciplinary process was dismissed for gross misconduct.  Mr Crisp appealed this decision, but the original decision to dismiss was upheld.  He then brought a claim of unfair dismissal.  As part of its