Why it's war on internet whistle-blower bloggers

Sep 15 2006

Liverpool Echo, Daily Post

EMPLOYMENT lawyers have experienced a surge in inquiries from bosses on how to deal with whistle-blower "bloggers" in their organisations. The issue was highlighted by threats to sue the author behind the Liverpool-Evil-Cabal blog - short for web log - that made a series of allegations about senior Liverpool council figures. Joanne Martin, employment law specialist with north west law firm the Hardman Partnership, said she is now regularly offering legal advice on blog policies: "The vast majority of blogs have a very limited appeal to the outside world but when they include derogatory remarks about an organisation they can often make their way to the top of search engine listings." She recommends that bosses introduce a specific blogging policy: "This will make clear what is acceptable to the company and what is not."