One in three UK managers aren’t up to speed with new mobile driving laws leaving 22 per cent of companies liable for prosecution

While 68% of employers are aware of harsher penalties introduced today for mobile phone use in the car, nearly one in four could be liable for prosecution if their employees use a mobile phone for work-related calls while driving. The research, released today by hands-free communications specialist Jabra in conjunction with YouGov, found that 22% of businesses still do not have a policy in place regarding in-car mobile use for company business.

Under Department of Transport guidelines, employers are liable if they require employees to use a hand-held phone while driving or if they fail to forbid employees to use such phones on company business. Yet only 78% of businesses have introduced a mobile phone policy for in-car use, smaller businesses are the worst offenders with only one third of SMEs having a suitable policy in place.

On a more alarming note, 38% of managers said they would not feel responsible if one of their employees had an accident whilst taking a work-related call in the car. Women were less likely to feel responsible than men, with 47% of women saying they would not feel responsible compared to 36% amongst their male counterparts.

“Our survey highlights confusion amongst employers regarding their responsibility under legislation governing in-car mobile phone use for work-related calls. Given the high awareness of employer liability under existing mobile phone laws, it is worrying that only 78% of companies actually have a policy in place to ensure the safety of their staff and reduce the risk of prosecution, especially when providing a solution can cost less than £20 per employee,” commented Andrew Doyle, UK Country Manager, Jabra.

“Employers should be aware that, in addition to their liability under the mobile phone legislation, the Health and Safety at Work Act makes it a legal duty to take all reasonable practical measures to ensure the safety of their staff and of those they come into contact with while working. This law applies to employees using the phone on the road for work-related calls. Employers should also be aware of the possible charge of corporate manslaughter in cases where a business driver has a fatal accident.”

To avoid criminal penalties Jabra suggests following these five simple steps:

• Decide on the best approach to in-car mobile use for company business such as providing employees with hands-free kit
• If you provide hands-free kits such as a Bluetooth headsets, a speaker phone or an in-car kit, make sure you provide guidelines on how to use them in compliance with the law
• Introduce a written policy regarding the safe and appropriate use of phones on the road and make sure all employees are given a copy of this policy
• Make sure your policy covers privately-owned mobiles as well as company phones
• Include your mobile phone policy as part of the induction procedures for new employees ends

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 256 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th - 9th February 2007. The survey was carried out online. The figures are unweighted.

About GN
Through its Jabra brand, GN is a world leader in innovative headset solutions. With 1,900 employees and sales offices around the world, GN develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of wireless headsets for mobile users and both wireless and corded headsets for contact centre and office-based users. GN’s business activities also include its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) business. GN has been helping people communicate since 1869 and is a listed company on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange.

For further information, please visit www.jabra.com

Media Contact

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Wildfire PR
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