New Zealand office workers are claiming for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the new trend could hit the UK market within six months, say lawyers.

Weightman Vizards said DVT, the `economy class' syndrome associated with long-haul flights, had joined the raft of claims office workers could make on employers and insurers.

The defendant lawyers warned insurers to recognise the potential threat these claims posed to themselves as employers and when advising clients on employers' liability.

Weightman Vizards national head of practice Tony Prichard said: "How widespread an epidemic this could become is still unclear.

"Employers should carry out thorough risk audits for their staff, review opportunities for regular exercise, introduce clear policies and enhance people's awareness of the importance of not remaining in the same position for long periods of time."

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