Bosses warned on staff cars

Businesses that allow staff to use their own cars for work purposes could soon face a corporate manslaughter charge if that vehicle is illegal, a fleet consultant has warned.

A survey by FleetConsult found that many employers allowed staff to drive in vehicles that were unroadworthy or not insured for business use.

The research found that two out of three privately owned cars used for work purposes were not safe to be on the road and a further third was inadequately insured.

"Corporate manslaughter is a very real threat for many employers if their employee is involved in a fatal crash while driving for work," said Simon Harris of FleetConsult.

"Managers must wake up to the risks they are running as the new law comes into force this April and companies must start planning now."