MORE than half of businesses in the county are unaware of forthcoming corporate manslaughter legislation relating to employees and the use of vehicles at work, according to Business Link Kent (BLK).

The latest quarterly Kent Business Barometer survey, which helps BLK measure business confidence, track trends and build on its knowledge of the needs of businesses and the issues they face, shows that only 46 per cent of those who thought the new legislation would affect them were aware of it.

But Kent County Council, supported by BLK, is hosting an event at Brands Hatch on March 24 – Driving at Work: How to Manage the Risks – that will inform the county’s business people about changes in the law.

Tony Buddin, BLK’s director of marketing, said: "Every month 80 people are killed and 1,000 seriously injured in work-related road accidents.

"This event will benefit all managers who have the responsibility of ensuring the safety of their employees and are interested in minimising the potential financial risks to their company."

Road risk is an increasingly important issue facing all companies. By law, companies must already manage driving at work as a health and safety issue.

Mr Buddin added: "One in five companies in Kent have not reviewed their health and safety responsibilities in the last 12 months.

"That’s almost 18,000 companies that are not aware of the latest legislation and how it can affect them."

Tickets are £197 (inc. VAT). To reserve your place or for more information visit www.eventskent.co.uk or contact 01732 878555.