GUIDELINES on social media use by council employees in West Dunbartonshire have been branded an infringement of workers’ human rights.

Councillor Jim Bollan plans to raise the issue at a full meeting of the authority next week, citing article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

He said: “The council’s social media policy inhibits many employees from commenting on issues regarding their workplace.

“Many workers are frightened to comment on social media in case this leads to disciplinary action

“Censoring workers for commenting legitimately on their workplace is unacceptable and needs to change.”

The council’s current social media policy “recognises the benefits of using social media as a communication tool” and respects employees’ rights to personal use of social media outwith the workplace, but demands “a certain standard of conduct” by employees.

Council leader Jonathan McColl told the Post: “To say that the council’s social media policy is in breach of the Human Rights Act is sensationalist nonsense.

“The policy was last updated under Labour and issued on August 14, 2013.

“We’ll be looking through it over the coming weeks and may agree to review its content, but not for the reasons given by Cllr Bollan who is merely attention seeking."

West Dunbartonshire Council declined to provide comment in advance of the meeting.

The policy specifically asks that employees should be aware that posting of certain information or comments, even in their own time and using their own equipment, may be in breach of its code of conduct.

The full council will consider Cllr Bollan’s motion at the meeting on Wednesday, August 29.