Employers 'lack contact' with travelling workers

Companies should be more aware of potential emergency needs of their employees travelling abroad, a survey claims.

Travel security consultant International SOS found that two-thirds of companies failed to have a workable travel policy.

Some 78 per cent of business travellers, for example those in business development jobs or finance jobs, did not carry a phone number of someone at the company who could advise or help them in the event of an emergency.

The findings were published in articles in Personnel Today and Travel Weekly, its sister publication, which said news was released at the Institute of Travel Management conference in Dublin.

Mike Penrose, International SOS corporate security director, said: "Natural disasters are much more common than violent outbreaks. However, the greatest risk on any trip is the road journey from the airport to the hotel."

International SOS aims to help companies manage the health and safety risks posed by business travel.