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Employers could be at risk of duty of care failings caused by changing working arrangements increasing their number of grey fleet drivers, according to Venson Automotive Solutions.
Citing UK Government figures showing that, over three years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, 28% of working adults were still hybrid working, and 16% solely working from home, the company has pointed out that if an employee's place of work stated in their contract has changed to home working, their private car will automatically become a grey fleet vehicle if used for work-related travel.
Venson said that employers unaware of their legal obligation to ensure such vehicles are properly maintained and legally compliant may be unknowingly missing duty of care requirements.
Venson client management director Simon Staton said: "Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees.
"With around half (49%) of UK drivers admitting to skipping essential servicing and vehicle repairs amidst the cost-of-living crisis, it is more important than ever that processes are in place to manage aspects such as driver licence checking, insurance validity, vehicle condition, and mileage audit amongst grey fleet vehicles.
"Businesses and fleet managers, therefore, need to review their driving for work policies as working from home looks set to stay for some businesses."
As well as servicing and maintenance requirements, Venson has also noted that grey fleet vehicles are often older than company-owned cars, and so can contribute disproportionately to a company's carbon footprint.
With many employees potentially unable to afford a new car, Staton said that workplace benefits like salary sacrifice schemes could offer a potential solution.
He added: "With hybrid and homeworking becoming a permanent fixture more cars risk edging into the grey fleet.
"Business owners and fleet management teams must keep on top of this to ensure they are not putting their firm or employee at risk, especially with an aging, less well-maintained UK car parc.
"They might also want to consider alternative options like rental or EV pool cars for those occasional driving for work employees.
"It all helps to cut the burden of managing a grey fleet and reduces CO2 emissions at the same time."
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