Recruiters have been urged to review their social media policies in light of new guidelines on internet trolling set out by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The guidelines, set out earlier this week, are designed to help police determine when criminal charges should be brought in relation to targeted, deliberately offensive and vicious abuse over the internet. 

The guidance covers doxxing (revealing personal information about someone online), hashtag attacks, virtual mobbing – ie. encouraging others to join online harassment campaigns, baiting or provoking a victim into responding and sexting.

According to Marian Bloodworth, employment partner at technology and digital media law firm Kemp Little, recruiters should review their social media policies as the sector is renowned for building strong personal connections with candidates online and making regular use of social media to communicate.

Bloodworth told Recruiter in a statement: “Any recruiter trolling at work can expect to find themselves subject to internal disciplinary action and most likely, dismissal. Even if they engaged in such activity outside of work, employers can still dismiss if the recruiter’s behaviour brings the organisation into disrepute.

“This reinforces the need for employers to have robust social media policies clearly setting out what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour online and spelling out the consequences if employees ignore the policy.”

• Want to comment on this story? The Comment box is at the bottom of the page. Sorry for the glitch but just scroll right down and share your opinions!