SEVEN workers have left Swansea Council after they were caught misusing the internet.

Four workers resigned and three have been sacked in the past three years, according to figures released to the Evening Post.

In total there have been 16 incidents of internet misuse recorded by the council, with punishments ranging from written warnings to the sack.

Staff were dismissed in November 2006 and December 2005 for inappropriate use of the internet, while a third council worker was sacked in October 2007, although this employee had previously been given a final written warning for previously misusing the internet.

A council spokesman said: "It is self-evident from the internet policy and action taken in the past that Swansea Council takes the issue of internet misuse by staff very seriously and will act where evidence of misuse is found.

"Correct usage of the internet and email should enhance the work carried out by the council and help staff in carrying out their duties.

"However, staff are expected to use the internet responsibly and the internet policy forms part of their contracts of employment.

"The policy is available for staff to view on the council's intranet and through line managers.

"Where there is an allegation of incorrect usage, the matter is properly looked into and steps taken in line with the council's internet and disciplinary policies."

This is not the first time city workers have hit the headlines for misusing their employer's internet and IT facilities.

A total of 18 workers were dismissed from Swansea's DVLA headquarters after hardcore pornography was circulated on company emails.

A further 147 workers were reprimanded by the agency.

Swansea Council has been involved in a previous controversy regarding internet usage. Last November it was revealed that former council leader Lawrence Bailey had thousands of pornographic images on his council-issued computers.