FLEET managers are being urged to invest in better seats in order to curb the loss of more than £5 billion a year through sick leave associated with back pain. Company car drivers are one of the most vulnerable groups because of the amount of time they spend behind the wheel.

A recent successful campaign by Vauxhall highlighted the issue of driver comfort, and in particular proper posture among fleets. It received 'thousands' of responses from companies and individual drivers. The latest message is being promoted by seat designer and manufacturer Recaro, which is the first and only seat manufacturer whose products fulfil the testing criteria of two leading spinal associations in Germany, the Federation of German Spinal Health Institutes and the Registered Association and Forum for Healthier Backs.

A Recaro spokesman said: 'Fleet operators can now replace existing seats in their vehicles with Recaro seats which will avoid undue strain on back muscles and the spine. Employees can then drive in improved comfort and safety, resulting in fewer back problems and less sick leave.'