Four student loan staff fired over Facebook remarks

Four employees of the Student Loans Company were sacked over inappropriate and threatening remarks on Facebook, it has been revealed.

Staff members posted "derogatory remarks" about student customers, a manager and the company, as well as comments which "threatened the health and safety of fellow employees", a Freedom of Information request found.

Steven George-Hilley, from the think-tank Parliament Street, who made the request about social media misuse over the last five years, said: "These incidents suggest it may be time for extra lessons in social media etiquette at the Student Loans Company.

"With correct training and policies in place, staff can use social networking sites like Facebook to share important application information and deliver interactive services to students."

The Student Loans Company said all four were dismissed after disciplinary action was taken.