Pictured above: Tim Lang

As everyone giggles about the football mates e-mailing each other about one of them pursuing the other's "hot" ex-girlfriend, leading Black Country law firm George Green LLP warn local employers that there is a serious side to this tale.

Tim Lang, Partner and Head of Employment at George Green LLP said "Many newspapers have featured the story of two young city workers, who shared an e-mail conversation, which contained an expletive-laden description of the ex-girlfriend. This may not seem that funny or unusual, but one of the parties copied the "hot" ex-girlfriend into the e-mail, and the story has spread like wildfire since. The story has also gone viral, causing further embarrassment for the parties involved, but the employers of the two young men have taken a dim view of the situation and both have been suspended pending an investigation. Of course the employers have been named in this story, which will have damaged the reputations of these city firms. "

Mr Lang continued "In order to protect themselves against similar situations arising all employers should consider putting in place an Electronic Information and Communication Systems Policy. The policy should set clear standards of conduct. If personal internet use is permitted at work the employer should indicate for how long and what times this will be permitted. The policy should give guidelines regarding email etiquette, warn employees that emails should not breach equal opportunities or anti-harassment policies and should not be defamatory in any way and warn employees that emails can be forwarded easily and therefore should never be treated as confidential.

Finally it is important that employers apply the Policy consistently and fairly at all times."