Can I deal with personal matters on my laptop when I’m at work?
The short answer is: potentially, within reason – but very much depending on what your work policies say.
In a recent case, an employment tribunal ruled that 1 hour 24 minutes spent by an employee, over a 2-day period, using her laptop to deal with personal matters during working hours was not “excessive” and did not justify her dismissal.
The employee, Anna Lanuszka, was an administrator at an accountancy firm, She was dismissed in July 2023 for using her laptop to deal with her personal matters (on Rightmove, Amazon & Very) during her working day. Her employer claimed her actions were in violation of the company’s code of conduct.
Ms Lanuszka was ‘caught out’ when her employer placed spyware software on her laptop which tracked her personal usage during working hours.
The Tribunal established that there were no company rules against Ms Lanuszka using her laptop to deal with her personal matters and found that, “she was free to use the computer personally when work commitments permitted and during breaks”.
It also found that Ms Lanuszka’s boss had also engaged in personal use of their computer to deal with personal matters during working hours.
Crucially, as Ms A Lanuszka had over two years of continuous employment she was entitled to claim unfair dismissal. The Tribunal upheld her claim and awarded her £14,120 in compensation.
The decision highlights the importance of companies having clear workplace policies on whether, and to what extent, employees are allowed to deal with personal matters during the working day.
If you are an employer needing assistance in reviewing workplace policies or if you are a senior executive/employee facing dismissal, David Greenhalgh can help you.
Common Questions Answered
Why do I need a lawyer to review my settlement agreement?
UK law requires independent legal advice to be taken before a settlement agreement can become legally binding. Without it, the agreement is unenforceable. An experienced employment lawyer will ensure you understand every clause and that your interests are fully protected.
How much does it cost to get a settlement agreement reviewed?
Your employer will usually pay for you to get independent legal advice on the terms and effect of your agreement. This is standard practice and is typically written into the agreement itself as a contribution towards your legal costs.
Can my settlement agreement be improved?
Often, yes. David regularly negotiates for increases in value, better exit terms and stronger protections for his settlement agreement clients. Even where an employer presents a figure as “final”, there is frequently room to negotiate.
How long does the process take?
With David, many clients get to sign-off in a matter of days if all they need is advice and sign-off. On urgent agreements David provides a same-day service, so a tight deadline is never a barrier to getting the right advice.
