Seems to be harsh reaction

Nov 20 2008

I AM concerned to learn South Lanarkshire Council are dismissing employees due to ‘inappropriate’ use of e-mails.

This sounds like a knee-jerk reaction and is way over the top. Sharing joke e-mails is common place in all work places and it would appear South Lanarkshire Council are looking for scapegoats.

This would seem a particularly inappropriate course of action in the case of the employee to whom a recent press article refers, a man who would appear to be respected and loyal to his employers.

Even if the e-mail in question is deemed to be inappropriate – and who makes that judgement? – perhaps training could be offered to all employees of the council in all departments to ensure staff are aware of the restrictions and limitations.

Hopefully common sense will prevail, as surely no right-minded person would agree dismissal is an appropriate method of dealing with this situation.

Elizabeth Reid, by e-mail.