Many UK employees are now provided a laptop to help with their jobs. This may be to assist with working from home or because their job requires a level of mobility. Whatever the reason, it has been found that more than half of all people use their company laptop for personal use.

A survey was conducted by Vodafone which uncovered the findings. Other results also suggested that even those who do not use the company computer for personal business do not have an issue with those that do. It was also discovered that senior members of staff at businesses do not take issue with company computers being used for personal matters.

While there is not a lot of objection to this activity taking place, it has been suggested that businesses must take steps to install the necessary anti virus and security protection. This is because many of these machines will be accessing the Internet via wireless of UK mobile broadband connections.

A spokesperson for Vodafone has stated that although companies should have policies in place to protect company property for improper use, they must be careful to restrict them to the extent that they become difficult to use for their primary purpose.