Social network checks on employees could lead to discrimination claims
Employers should exercise caution when using social networking websites to vet potential employees because it could leave them open to discrimination claims, the Law Society has warned.
Under the Employment Practices Data Protection Code, an employer should only use vetting where there is a risk to the employer, customers or other employees and should not rely on gathering information from Facebook or MySpace. Employers are able to get information on someone's religion or sexual orientation using these websites and this could potentially lead to a discrimination claim if it is seen to impact on the decision to employ someone, the Law Society says.
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