Swine flu: Do not panic
May 05 2009
Employers should not panic over a possible outbreak of pandemic swine flu in the UK, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) asserts.
The organisation recommends businesses establish contingency plans for coping with a situation which could see thousands of people affected, rather than building up stockpiles of medicines such as Tamiflu or Relenza.
An outbreak of pandemic flu would disrupt the UK's transport, supplies, banking and communication systems and cause up to half of the population to miss work, leading the TUC to advise firms to develop home working plans, promote better personal hygiene and implement more effective systems of sickness leave.
Brendan Barber, the group's general secretary, comments: 'There is no reason for employers to take panic measures when simple good hygiene and encouraging staff who are sick to stay at home is the best immediate response.'
He also points out there is no evidence that introducing latex gloves or facemasks into the workplace can halt the spread of viruses and suggests these measures could encourage people to keep working while feeling ill.
Ian Kilpatrick, chairman of IT security specialists Wick Hill Group, also recommends businesses prepare for the potential that swine flu could prevent key members of staff from working.
He advises firms to ensure that essential employees are set up to work from home and to check that remote platforms and phone systems are in good order.
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