“In terms of health and safety, employers should keep employees informed about the health risks.
“They should take steps to ensure that there is good – not merely adequate – hygiene in the workplace and that working practices do not pose undue risks to employees. Reviewing hygiene policies should be a critical measure conducted in the coming days, not months.”
So far, there have been 25 confirmed Merseyside cases of the virus. It is feared up to 6,000 people could die if swine flu progresses to the worst possible levels in the city.
Mr Cross continued: “It may be necessary to require home working. A review should be undertaken of the contractual and statutory rights that the employer and employee have when judged against what the employer may need to make happen.
“If the employer doesn’t have the contractual power to effect the changes needed, they are best flagging the possibility that such changes may be required now, with a view to reducing the prospect of difficulty later.”
