ONE of the UK's largest companies has invested in driver training in a bid to slash accident rates with fleet driver training specialist Driving Services.

Driving Services said Unilever was providing a comprehensive programme of driver training not only for its 2,800 company car drivers, the majority of which are perk drivers, but also for drivers' partners also covered by the company insurance.

Originally begun four years ago, the scheme is mandatory and the programme covers roadwork and theory and is supported by a refresher course within 36 months of the initial training being completed.

Roger Timms, Unilever's risk and insurance manager, said up- to-date records were being kept to ensure no driver slipped through the net.

He said: 'It began because of some bad experiences in India. Although the situation was totally different they still involved Unilever employees in motor vehicles.

'Overall there is no question that we have experienced an improvement and you can see this in terms of our motor insurance premiums.'