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Employees used the site to post ¡°inappropriate comments¡± that ¡°brought the company into disrepute, and ¡°derogatory remarks¡± aimed at both the company itself, and its ¡°student customers¡±.

One member of staff was dismissed for comments that ¡°threatened the health and safety of fellow employees¡±, according to a response to a Freedom of Information request made by the Parliament Street think tank.

¡°Our staff are expected to behave and communicate with other employees, customers and the wider public - whether through social media or any other communications channels - in a professional and responsible manner,¡± said Mhairi Docherty, head of human resources at the SLC.

¡°We do not tolerate abusive behaviour or threatening behaviour and we are committed to dealing robustly and appropriately with any cases of related misconduct to protect our customers and staff.¡±

Steven George-Hilley, director of technology at Parliament Street, added: ¡°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.¡±

chris.parr@tsleducation.com