Contract help

[AHarvey]

Hi all,

We've just had a new contract sent around the office and there are a couple of sections I am not too happy with. I was wondering if you could have a read over them and let me know what you think:

Communications

During your employment with the Company, you will have access to the Company's communications facilities, such as email, internet and telephones. Use of such equipment is subject to compliance with Company rules in particular the Company's Information Security and Electronic Communications policy (which is non-contractual)

All equipment is supplied on the understanding that it will be used for business purposes, and the Company reserves the right to monitor and read communications (including personal communications, or any through a 3rd party site being made on this equipment. By signing this Contract of Employment you agree that the Company reserves the right to monitor use. Any breach of this clause may lead to disciplinary action being taken against you.

Now, is it just me that reads that as "you will be giving us access to read your personal emails"? Isn't it against the law to read personal emails of a 3rd party?

I won't go into the 2nd section about Intellectual property rights where they tell us they own anything we do or create that has copyright. As a photographer, it really worries me. I am going to go and do some research about this before I post it.

 

[AHarvey]

Oh tracking what websites we visit etc isn't what bothers me, I know that is standard, it was the "read communications (including personal comms)" that I found worrying.

I use my G1 for gmail, facebook etc. It's just thought it was illegal to read personal emails? Human rights and all that.

 

[AHarvey]

The G1 is mine, I just do all my personal stuff on my phone.

Other employees that read their personal non work related emails (gmail/hotmail) during their breaks (which is allowed) are worried that the company will now be able to read them.

 

[AHarvey]

Thanks for clearing it all up