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Using a work computer for booking a holiday, allowing your children to do their home, shopping or anything personal could get you dismissed by your employer. 

Recently this issue was before the Employment Tribunal in the case of Lanuszka v Accountancy MK Services Ltd (2025).  Miss Lanuszka was dismissed for engaging in private activities on her computer during working hours as the employer stated that this was in breach of their code of conduct.  This was discovered as the firm installed spyware onto her computer without her knowledge.

Fortunately for the claimant the tribunal found in her favour.  The tribunal said that whilst personal use of a computer could be a conduct issue in this case there were no specific policies or restrictions in place. In any event, such usage would not constitute gross misconduct, and warnings should have been given. The tribunal said that as the claimant was approaching 2 years’ service, they felt that dismissal without warnings was more likely an attempt to prevent the employee from obtaining employment rights rather than because of the actual conduct complained of. Given the claimant’s prior good conduct, the Tribunal could not find in favour of the employer.  As an employee, you should always check your firm’s policies about personal computer use.   

Here at BULAC we can advise you on employment related matters. Please call 01248 388411 or email Bulac@bangor.ac.uk to make an appointment.