BUSINESSES have been warned they face massive disruption in the event of a swine flu pandemic.
The first cases of human swine flu in the UK have now been confirmed, and, while organisations are taking care not to overstate the potential risk of a flu pandemic, businesses can still make contingency plans.
Global firms including Honda and Nokia have already placed travel restrictions on its staff.
Dr David Gidlow, clinical director at Ellesmere Port-based occupational health provider, Health in Business, said: “If we do have a pandemic, it would be yet another hammer blow for industry. It will be disruptive.
“Most of the big companies have had plans together for some years, which are all very straightforward – things like banning meetings, banning communal gatherings, having hand wipes for telephones – to cut down the spread of infection.
“While only the big companies have plans, smaller companies can also do the simple things.
“Companies will have to be failsafe – they can’t say to people ‘come in and if you don’t feel well you can go home’. People with flu symptoms have got to stay off.”
Ben Willmott, senior public policy advisor at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, agrees that contingency plans are important.
“Many employers will already have a policy on how to respond to a potential flu pandemic outbreak as a result of the heightened risk of bird flu over the last few years,” he said. “Employers should have in place strategies to allow them to run on skeleton staff levels.
“Organisations should also identify key roles that must be carried out and those individuals who have a wide range of skills who can fulfil more than one function.”
John Cridland, CBI deputy-director general, said: “It is understandable that companies and staff may be concerned about cases of human swine flu being confirmed in the UK, as well as overseas. Companies should consider whether their sickness policies need reviewing and updating in light of recent developments.
“As with planning for any potential crisis, companies will need to consider how they will cover sick leave, ensure staff are kept informed of the latest advice and how best to minimise possible disruption to business.”
The Cabinet Office has a pandemic influenza checklist for businesses online at tinyurl.com/ swinefluadvice
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