Can my employer ban me from sending any non-work emails?

Yes. Your employer has no legal obligation to allow you to use the company’s e-mail system, or their Web access if you are using Web based e-mail. However, good employers will allow their staff some personal use of the email and Web, provided this is used responsibly and doesn’t interfere with work or the employer’s reputation. Check your employer’s e-mail usage policy, which will define your rights in this area.

The best way to conduct any personal e-mail communications at work is to use a private e-mail address, rather than your work one, if your employer’s Web usage policy allows this. Companies like Yahoo! or Hotmail can set you up with a separate free e-mail service, which you can access via the browser from any internet connection. Your employer may still be able to justify intercepting emails sent at work from your personal email account in some extreme circumstances, such as investigating criminal activity.