PUBLIC sector organisations are warning employees to 'think twice' before using social media after dozens of West Yorkshire workers were disciplined for inappropriate posts.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that ambulance service managers, council staff, NHS workers and firefighters have been in trouble at work for posts on Facebook and other sites.

A total of 33 Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff, including managers and officers, were disciplined in the last four years over posts on Facebook. None were dismissed.

EDITOR'S COMMENT: Think twice before you post online

Eighteen Bradford Council staff got into trouble for misusing computer equipment between 2012 and last year.

One was dismissed for having indecent images on a PC, three were dismissed for social media breaches and seven were given warnings for unspecified computer misuse. One resigned before the case concluded.

Health staff have also been warned about social media posts.

Seven cases have been investigated by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust since 2012, including two staff warned for breaking social media guidelines.

Thirteen administration staff at Airedale NHS Trust got into trouble over a four-year period for computer misuse, although no further details were released.

West Yorkshire Fire Service said "fewer than five" staff - including watch commanders and firefighters - were investigated for computer misuse for each year from 2013.

The misuse included inappropriate posts/language on social media and inappropriate emails.

West Yorkshire Police said 41 staff had been disciplined, five dismissed and three resigned in four years due to various examples of computer misuse, including accessing logs for a non-policing purpose and spending excessive time on the internet.

A Force spokesman said staff were aware of their responsibilities when using social media sites.

Detective Superintendent Simon Bottomley, of the Force's Professional Standards Department, said: "It is completely inappropriate for any employee of West Yorkshire Police to access information from police computers unless it is for policing purposes.

"We have rigorous monitoring systems in place to maintain the integrity of our information and frequently remind our staff about appropriate use of computer systems which contain sensitive and personal information.

"West Yorkshire Police also has policies in place to make staff aware of their responsibilities regarding the use of social media sites.

"Sites such as Twitter and Facebook can be excellent tools for communicating and engaging with residents about ongoing police initiatives and appeals, and authorised staff are encouraged to use them as appropriate.

"When officers and staff either post inappropriate information on force social media sites or make unauthorised use of force systems, appropriate action will be taken."

A spokesman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said the "vast majority" of staff used social media "appropriately and in line with the Trust’s policies."

"We take misuse of social media seriously and, on the infrequent occasion where such an incident occurs, we have appropriate procedures in place."

A spokesman for Bradford Council declined to comment.