Nearly half of British office employees admit spending more than three hours a week surfing the Internet at work, a survey revealed today.
More than half of those questioned admitted booking their holidays on the Net at work; 41 per cent researched a hobby; 27 per cent watched a sports event and 28 per cent visited retail web sites.
Workers were prepared to risk disciplinary action as the WebatWork survey said British employers were five times more likely to reprimand staff for inappropriate use of the Net than in many other European countries.
The survey added that two-thirds of British employers have Internet access policies in place compared to only a third in France.
Mr Geoff Haggart, European vice president for Websense, who commissioned the survey, said: "The survey shows that the Internet is clearly a valuable business tool for employees but at the same time it can be a distraction.
"It also shows that companies need to strike a balance and be aware that employees do not object to having their Internet access at work managed."
The survey showed 71 per cent of workers feel it is acceptable to have the Internet managed in the office.
And 73 per cent feel it is acceptable to surf the web at work during breaks but only half feel it is appropriate before or after official hours.
PA