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Watching pornographic material in the workplace is a sackable offence

An unnamed Conservative MP has been accused of watching pornography in the House of Commons chamber whilst sitting next to a female MP.

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Published 28 April 2022

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Watching pornography in the workplace would be considered an act of gross misconduct with instant dismissal in most workplaces, says Employment associate Daniel Zona.

“Most employers will have workplace policies that explain how IT and communications equipment provided by a company can be used. They will often explicitly state that the watching or downloading of pornographic material will be considered an act of gross misconduct. Watching pornographic material on a personal device will be no defence, particularly if in an open environment or seen by colleagues.

“Employers will in most instances see this as gross misconduct with the employee dismissed without notice.

“Female colleagues will understandably feel deeply uncomfortable if they see a male colleague opening watching pornography. Employers who do not act could find themselves facing harassment claims.”

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Shorter Reads

Watching pornographic material in the workplace is a sackable offence

An unnamed Conservative MP has been accused of watching pornography in the House of Commons chamber whilst sitting next to a female MP.

Published 28 April 2022

Associated sectors / services

  • Employment law for employees
  • Employment law for employers

Authors

Watching pornography in the workplace would be considered an act of gross misconduct with instant dismissal in most workplaces, says Employment associate Daniel Zona.

“Most employers will have workplace policies that explain how IT and communications equipment provided by a company can be used. They will often explicitly state that the watching or downloading of pornographic material will be considered an act of gross misconduct. Watching pornographic material on a personal device will be no defence, particularly if in an open environment or seen by colleagues.

“Employers will in most instances see this as gross misconduct with the employee dismissed without notice.

“Female colleagues will understandably feel deeply uncomfortable if they see a male colleague opening watching pornography. Employers who do not act could find themselves facing harassment claims.”

Associated sectors / services

  • Employment law for employees
  • Employment law for employers

Authors

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