I have to say that I have worked in both private and public sector in UK and Australia and have never had a problem using the internet for personal reasons. Providing it is used within certain criteria and common sense. Use outwith core working hours and lunch and no funny stuff, you know what I mean!

In saying that, it is not the god given right of an employee to have, let alone use internet for personal use. The employers must protect themselves.

All you can do is hope that they will deal with each case on its own merit.