Carlisle council staff told clock-out for non-work chat Published duration 28 January 2011

image caption Staff were warned not to treat work like a holiday camp

Council staff in Carlisle have been told to clock-out if they want to talk about the weather, holidays or babies.

An e-mail sent to 31 workers by two team leaders in the city's benefits department, also warned staff not to treat work like a "holiday camp".

GMB Union representative, Ged Craig said the message was a "disgrace".

Carlisle City Council has apologised for the e-mail and said its management approach fell short of its usual "high standards".

The e-mail reads: "In order to ensure maximum output is produced, the working ethos within the office will need to change.

"Staff should be aware of the reason why they are here, which is to work and not to treat the office as a day-to-day holiday camp.

"It is not a requirement for you not to talk to your fellow colleagues, but you should ensure that non-work conversations are kept to a minimum."

The e-mail also states that if workers want to hold conversations about the weather, babies or holidays - they should clock out.

Mr Craig said: "It's ridiculous and a disgrace - it is suggesting that if, for example, you are standing in a queue for the photocopier having a chat you should clock out."

'Face to face'

The e-mail goes on to say that the way staff previously worked could not be sustained in the "current economic climate".

Dr Jason Gooding, Carlisle City Council's deputy chief executive, said the matter was an "isolated incident" and lessons would be learned.

He said: "On this occasion the approach to managing staff has fallen a little short of the high standards the city council has rightly come to expect of its team leaders and managers.

"Discussions on performance and capability should generally be conducted face to face with the relevant members of staff - not through general e-mail communication in this way.

"We will be working with managers and staff in revenues and benefits to ensure that positive lessons are learned following this experience.

"This is an isolated incident and does not reflect the management style we are working hard to develop at the city council."