A CHESHIRE West and Chester Council worker was disciplined for a breach of its social media policy.

According to a Freedom of Information request made by BBC Radio 5 live, 51 council workers across the UK were suspended for social media-related incidents.

The FOI revealed that one council worker from CWAC was reprimanded in 2015.

Cllr Paul Donovan, Cabinet Member for Democracy and Workforce, said: “An employee was using social media during working hours to comment on issues related to members of the public.

“The case was fully investigated and appropriate disciplinary action was taken in line with the council’s policies and procedures.”

The overall figures show that there was a rise in the number of UK council workers suspended last year after being accused of breaking social media rules

However, the statistics are not comprehensive because not all the councils included school staff in their replies and some did not respond to the FOI.

In CWAC’s social media policy, it states that ‘limited access to social media websites’ is permitted during free time.

The policy states: “The council recognises that many employees make use of social media in a personal capacity.

“While they are not acting on behalf of the council, employees must be aware that their actions could potentially damage the organisation if they are recognised as being a council employee.

“Any communications that employees make in a personal capacity through social media must therefore adhere to the principles as set out in the Social Media Guidelines.

“Whilst in work, employees are allowed limited access to social media websites from the council’s computers/devices or using their own equipment, in their own time and in accordance with the ICT Acceptable Use Policy.”

The guidelines states that any breach of the policy may lead to disciplinary action.

It states that serious breaches, for example, incidents of bullying of colleagues, or social media activity causing serious damage to the council, may constitute gross misconduct and lead to summary dismissal.

It states: “Employees should be aware that their external activities, that may come to light through social media, may impact on their role in the council.”