Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) has warned employees that they face "counselling" or even the sack if they are found to be using the firm's network to download and store illegally-held copyright material.

The stark warning was contained in an internal memo sent last Friday in which CSC explained that it has been notified by the Business Software Alliance and the Recording Industry Association of America, among others, that "illegal audio, video and software copyrighted materials has been detected on its computers".

According to a copy of the memo, seen by The Register this illegal hoarding of copyright material has been verified following an internal investigation by the IT services company.

"This is in clear violation of CSC's Human Resources Management Policy," said the memo.

"Anyone using either CSC computers and / or the CSC network that has such programs and / or copyrighted media (.avi, .mp3, etc., files) is subject to appropriate disciplinary actions. First offenses will result in counselling by both your manager and Human Resources, and your personnel file being annotated as to the situation. Second offenses will result in immediate termination. CSC will not tolerate such abuse of the law," it said.

In a bid to clampdown on illegal downloads, CSC - which employs around 90,000 people - is to begin scanning its network and PCs to "detect the presence of such peer-to-peer programs" from the end of April.

Anyone caught with illegal software on their machines faces the threat of "counselling" [hang on, do they mean a rollicking? Ed] or even the sack.

"We regret having to take these steps, but the abusive and inappropriate behavior of certain members of our staff leave us no alternative," the memo said.

CSC declined to comment on the content of the leaked memo. ®