Council staff to face disciplinary action if they abuse Walsall politicians online
Staff at Walsall Council have been told to stop trolling Walsall politicians on social media or face disciplinary action.
Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said some of their own employees had targeted elected members over policies they disagreed with.
Several staff members were now facing punishment at work over Facebook posts or tweets which bosses have classed as ‘abuse’.
The authority is now drawing up a social media policy for employees which will set out what is expected of them and consequences they could face for breaching the code of conduct.
He said at a cabinet meeting that some staff had also attacked councillors from all parties and were now facing disciplinary action.
He warned the authority will continue to clampdown on offenders.
Councillor Bird said: “They think we are open season for sport but whether we are Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat or anyone else, it is not acceptable and it is not right.
“There are two or three employees under disciplinary for abuse of elected members.
“Some are serial offenders but when they are challenged, they don’t seem to realise they have done wrong. If we have not got a policy in place, it is difficult to set out what’s right or wrong.
“But they will be bought to book. Some of the things said are actually libellous and when they retweet or share things on Facebook, they could be perpetuating that libel.
“Our message to staff is very clear, if you want to work for Walsall Council you have to play by the rules.”
