Seven DVLA personnel have been suspended pending an investigation into ‘inappropriate’ use of social networking platform Facebook.
The staff involved face disciplinary proceedings after they were caught posting personal comments on the social media site.
The personnel accused, all of whom are based at DVLA headquarters in Swansea where 5,000 staff are employed, are aware that they are prohibited from accessing social networking sites during company operating hours. However, it’s understood that the comments, described as obscene and lewd, were made outside of office hours.
Despite this the comments were considered highly inappropriate by a fellow colleague and they were reported to the DVLA management team who took the required action.
A statement from a DVLA spokesperson said: “The culprits remain suspended while investigations are ongoing.â€
A DVLA representative said: “Although instances are extremely rare, any inappropriate social media postings by staff made outside of work will be investigated and could result in disciplinary action. All staff are aware of the guidance in place and are reminded on a regular basis.â€
Aside from having to deal with staff misdemeanours, the DVLA is currently in the process of closing all 39 of its regional offices in a bid to reduce costs.
In closing all regional offices the DVLA hopes to direct customers to use its online services.
Such cases of staff misbehaviour on social media sites have increased within the DVLA and previous instances have resulted in a number of staff having their employment terminated as a result of using social networking to post obscene gestures about customers, work colleagues and the DVLA senior management team.
Book Theory Test Today understands that a review of this particular case could last several weeks.
