Businesses in the district are being urged to set down rules on staff internet use - or risk a flood of unfair dismissal cases.

The warning comes from Bradford law firm Lee & Priestley which says there could be a huge increase in legal action because there are no clear rules as to what is considered acceptable use of the internet.

Iain Jenkins, partner at the firm, said: "Small companies in particular, who cannot afford large compensation claims, must put clear policies in place to ensure that staff know what is and isn't acceptable.

"Staff could be spending far too much time on-line, or accessing unsuitable websites but if there is not a policy in place, from a legal perspective you could be in a difficult position."

Recently a tribunal awarded £32,000 in damages to a sales manager who was dismissed for forwarding an e-mail that was said to be sexist and racist.

He argued that he had not been told what kind of e-mails were not acceptable.

Mr Jenkins added: "Although the growth of the internet is providing exciting opportunities for business growth, making the world a smaller place in which to operate, it has also brought with it a host of new concerns for bosses whose firms use the technology.

"Companies should put in place clear, enforceable guidelines but must ensure that if they do monitor their employees' internet use then staff must be informed in advance so that privacy laws are not breached."

Sunbridge Road-based Lee & Priestley has other offices in Pudsey and Leeds.