It is the latest in a series of moves by the firm to tackle misuse of its computers, a problem which has hit many other companies since the explosion of internet use.

Workers are being told that if they have anything on their computers which is inappropriate or could offend anyone they should remove it

Ford spokeswoman

Offensive material includes pornographic pictures, web site addresses and e-mails.

Three workers at Ford's Dagenham plant in Essex were suspended last year following an incident related to e-mails.

And staff at other companies have been sacked or disciplined for similar incidents.

End of era

Ford workers were warned last year about downloading pornographic or offensive material.

The latest move has come after discussions with the unions.

A Ford spokeswoman said: "Workers are being told that if they have anything on their computers which is inappropriate or could offend anyone they should remove it."

Two weeks ago, Ford produced its last Fiesta cars at Dagenham after 71 years, to switch the role of the Essex factory to the production of diesel engines.