A COURT ruling represents a "real shot across the bows" for local firms that encourage long working hours, according to a leading lawyer.

North Yorkshire's 32,000 firms have been warned to take heed of the decision by solicitors.

The Court of Appeal ruling means a Bradford firm is now expected to be sued for damages of more than £1 million.

The judgment was made on the case of Michael Eyres, formerly employed by Atkinsons Kitchens And Bedrooms, in Bradford. Aged 20 at the time, Mr Eyres sustained a broken back and will never walk again after being flung from his van on the M1 in 2004. He lost control of the vehicle when he fell asleep at the wheel after a 19-hour working day.

The High Court in Leeds had ruled Mr Eyres was responsible for the accident after he admitted to speeding and sending and receiving text messages while behind the wheel.

But, overturning that ruling, Mr Justice Ward said the accident was in all probability caused by Mr Eyres falling asleep rather than using his phone. Damages will be reduced by a third, however, because of Mr Eyres' contributory negligence in not wearing a seat belt and knowing he was at risk of falling asleep.

Sarah Cleary, a leading lawyer at law firm Irwin Mitchell, warned North Yorkshire's 32,000 businesses about the implications of the verdict.

She said: "Working long hours without breaks harms health and risks accidents through tiredness. The Working Time Regulations cover this area but, at present, many firms ignore the stringent rules. For instance, certain industries have partial or total exemptions and some companies ask employees to opt out.

"The courts are getting tougher and a landmark case just last year saw the Health And Safety Executive (HSE) successfully prosecute a company for a death that occurred when an employee was driving outside working hours."

Mrs Cleary also highlighted the potential serious implications for employers who turn a blind eye to the rules.

"Not only can maximum personal injury claims be awarded, but companies can face HSE prosecutions, employment tribunals, and even corporate manslaughter prosecutions in certain cases.

"All of these can lead to huge financial costs, in legal expenses and heavy fines, but also lead to damage of reputations and lost business."