If you’re just about to join a conference call, you might want to think again.

Research conducted by free conference call provider Powwownow has found that people are put off using conference calls by other attendees’ anti- social behaviour.

The behaviour, including noisy eating, swearing, sniffing and heavy breathing was deemed unsuitable on conference calls during the poll of Powwownow’s premium customers.

Apparently those who have regular calls with serial offenders have reported that it discourages them from using conference calls to conduct their business. So what can be done about it?

Well, those clever chaps at Powwownow have announced the ASCCBO (Anti-Social Conference Calling Behaviour Order). The ban will run on a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ rule and will start on 1 March, encouraging users to be more considerate to other people on conference calls.

If you think someone deserves to be served an ASCCBO, Powwownow advises you to go to www.powwownow.co.uk/ASCCBO and report them. But first, tell Recruiterwhat your experiences have been — no names, no pack drill!