As a line manager can I demand to see someone's Facebook pages?

[MaryMotherOfCheeses]

Because someone who works with me took three days off recently due to "a stomach bug".

I've been told her Facebook pages say she went away for a few days and got pissed with her friends.

Assuming she doesn't own up when I confront her, can I insist on seeing her Facebook pages? If there's no such stuff on there, why would she hide it?

What do you think?

Maybe sack her for being excessively stupid?

What if she was being sarcastic on her FB page...? If someone else saw it, they may not realize the context it was said in - maybe its a private joke with one of her close friends.

In any case, it is private.

I would probably mention FB a few times just to entertain myself scare her a bit.

I read OP and thought "who the feck do you think you are?" Having to ask whether such bullying is acceptable is very concerning.
Whether you've finally gotten the point now is irrelevant. People aren't just reiterating this for their or your sakes, but because you obviously need reminding to think on before "idly musing" about opening up a whole world of shite for someone else again

Notplaying and Minkofmancunia - I've reported your posts to MNHQ. There is no need to attack the OP in such a rude way.

were their posts really that bad?

Yes, I think there posts were that bad.

The fact that the thread has moved on several times from its start lead me to the conclusion that their posts were really both over the top.

Of couse, at the very start of the thread, people attacked the OP, but the OP has been back several times and discussed her viewpoint, and agreed that it would not be appropriate.

It really annoys me when subsequent posters just continue trying to stick the boot in, without reading what others have written, just to try and be reactionary.

I'm not trying in any way to be reactionary, I'm just not sure that they were that rude. I have seen other (and in my opinion worse) attacks on MN, and MNHQ have replied something to the effect of 'people have diffrent viewpoints'.

definitely get that person off to Occupational Health if you have any concerns about the amount of Sick leave that person takes....think asking to see FB page is not a good way to go, and I don't think you are actually allowed to do that.

Oh Scummymummy (I think)...OT is Occupational Therapy and completely different to Occupational Health ...not in any way related...just thought I point that out ...

some folk are a little slap happy littlefish, but dont think they warrant being removed, they werent vicious, just overly judgey.

wotulookinat - agreed. I don't consider either post to constitute a personal attack and therefore don't consider that either of us owe the OP an apology.

What I have actually posted is an insight into why I am - and why others may be - reiterating that.
If anyone missed that part of my post then maybe - instead of being "reactionary" - they should try reading it again until they do

OK, looking at this from a differenr pov I'd be incredibly pissed off if I was a member of MMOC's staff, was expected to cover for someone on sick leave (which is a fact of life) and then found out this person had been boasting about her exploits in public.
I actually think the OP owes it to her other staff to follow this up in an appropriate way.

Stealth, I think you are right and you certainly are right about appropriate way...but asking to see FB pages is probably not teh approrpiate way, is it!

Actually, as I've already said, i think asking to see them is fine. Demanding to see them most definitely isn't.
There is a perception among some employees (most are hard working and non piss taking) that they hold all the rights and are untouchable, can get away with murder. Well they don't, and as their employer, on behalf of the people who pay their wages and benefits (i.e. the taxpayer) the OP has many rights.

I still think Occupational Health is the better way forward....if the person uses a lot of sick days..

Occ HEalth are only a tool to be used by line managers -they are not an authority in themselves. You are entitled to ask Occ Health certain questions for them to answer.
OTOH (if this is NHS) the Counter Fraud people are an authority in themselves.

I can't believe people actually think something posted on the internet is private!!!

have you tried to a google search - sometimes will bring stuff up that people think the have protected

I think Occ Health would maybe also a tool though to maybe shock a person a bit...i.e. if they are playing on being sick, than maybe that will make that person start thinking about possible consequences?

Definitely! Although I do wonder how much you're looking at that from (presumably) an honest perspective? That sort of thing doesn't bother certain people.
I'd better stop now before the Daily Mail style ranting starts

lol Stealth...but yes, you do have a point...

"If people take excessive days off sick its normally 'cos they're not happy in their job." I disagree. A lot of people take excessive days off sick because they can. I have worked with enough people who have taken the piss like this to know that.
And if the woman in questio here has been boasting about going out on the piss while off sick then imo she should be sacked.

If I were the op then I would ask to see the pages in such a manner:

"it has come to my attention that you have been posting on facebook that you've been out drinking while supposedly off sick. Perhaps you could clarify this?" IMO it's no different to confronting someone who has been seen out while off sick - and in previous jobs I have encountered this numerous times and on each occasion the staff in question were reprimanded for it. Just because you don't see something doesn't mean you can't confront someone over it, and a comment on facebook is no more private than driving down the road while off sick.

The best thing to do is what I often advise - don't as an employer offer any sick pay whatsoever. there is no legal oblgiation to do so except for SSP. That soon gets them back into work and i wish all public sector workers were paid on that basis too ... or not paid.

You are aloowed to check up on people when sick, of course you are. It's perfectly legal .Video evidence of the person supposedly holed up in bed who is jogging etc is used all the time.

agree, wannaBe
You can't use any tactics to force her to show you, but you can ask in the interests of clearing the situation up. If she refuses then proceed from there. Very few things are black and white, cut and dried. It is in her interests as much as the OPs to clear any misunderstanding up. Unfortunately there's no such thing as innocent until proven guilty in this situation.

ahh Xenia, trying to put the cat among the pigeons?

Public employee here on maternity leave. is it ok for me to have that? beyond 2 wks, i mean.

get back to work you lazy MNer!

yeah Xenia...that solution is great ...and it would really help the taxpayer so much...surely if you stop sick pay and someone is truely sick they are either stuffed or they have to make the choice that they will be driven into unemployment and than seek other benefits...