ONE of the country’s biggest unions has given its backing to in-car telematics systems and installed them in cars used by its own drivers.

Bosses at the Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU) say the mobile tracking systems from Eagle Eye ensure ‘real-time visibility and workforce protection’. A total of 30 units are being installed in the union’s organiser and recruitment team pool cars.

TGWU chief financial officer Tom Quirke said: ‘These vehicles will be used by our membership recruiters who have long distances to travel across the country. It has been a constant worry that we didn’t feel able to ensure their safety every step of the way. This is the first solution we have seen that will effectively protect our drivers.’

Staff who find themselves in an emergency can press a button in the car to alert union officials to their whereabouts.