LAW firm Latimer Hinks will tackle the thorny issue of social media in the workplace in a free seminar aimed at business owners and HR professionals.

The Darlington-based firm will address points affecting businesses where employees use social media at work, principally as part of their jobs. Key issues that will be dealt with at the seminar will include employee misconduct, protecting confidential information, damage to reputation and how to draw up a social media policy. Depending on levels of interest, the seminar will be a launch pad for additional seminars to be held in Durham and Bishop Auckland.

Nick Poole, a partner at Latimer Hinks, said: “The use of social media at work is increasingly a hot potato. Social media use including through Twitter and Facebook either as part of a job or in employee break time, is something which employers need to get to grips with.

“Social media connects millions of people across the world every day, and it is an increasingly important way for people to communicate. Like it or not, it’s now an integral part of our lives and affects the way we live and work. Businesses have recognised that social media can be an effective tool for marketing and brand awareness.

“While the benefits of using social media are numerous, there are also pitfalls, and employee use of social media can result in serious legal liabilities. The seminar, which will partly be an overview of the issues and how to deal with them, will also be a valuable opportunity for business owners and HR professionals to ask questions.”

The first social media seminar is due to take place from 8.30am to 10.00am on Thursday February 28 at the Kings Mercure Hotel in Darlington.

For further information and to book your place, please call Latimer Hinks on 01325 341 500 or email at@latimerhinks.co.uk