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Small firms need to introduce policies on personal internet usage at work as almost a third have no limitation at all.

Research from Easynet Connect, an internet service provider, found half of firms have limitations on the personal use of internet and 18 per cent have a complete ban.

The company warns that the 32 per cent of firms who have no policy at all are risking their internet bandwidth.

A survey from the company found attitudes towards personal use varies across the country, with small businesses in the north-west being the strictest and most likely to have a total ban.

This compares to just six per cent of Welsh firms who would crack down on usage.

South-west and south-east regions are the most lenient with 42 per cent and 41 per cent respectively having no limitations.

Chris Stening, managing director at Easynet Connect, says: 'Businesses must analyse their internet connectivity requirements and develop a policy that doesn't compromise their business' core online applications, while accommodating for their employees legitimate internet needs.'

He says striking a balance with employees is important as a 'complete ban is not the answer'.

A study from Nielsen Online has discovered more UK employees are using the internet on their phone, as it has seen a 25 per cent increase in the last quarter.

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