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Monday, 27th July 2009
With ministers warning that in a worse case scenario, 100,000 people could contract swine flu every day by the end of August, and that 1 in 8 employees could be forced to take time off work, the outbreak could have serious consequences for business. It is therefore important that businesses are properly prepared for the impact on productivity and the wider economy.
In this light, the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group has consulted its members regarding the outbreak of swine flu with the aim of highlighting how they are currently coping and if they have emergency operational plans and business continuity plans, with provision for pandemics, in place should the situation worsen.
The feedback from Chamber members focused on what businesses should do before and during a pandemic, with communication with staff, absence monitoring and management, flexible working and health and safety all mentioned as a means of controlling the virus.
Initially, it is advised that businesses should provide employees with clear guidelines of what they need to do should they suspect that they, or a member of their family, have swine flu. This should include a check list of the ‘dos’ and don’ts’ of coming to work. It is recommended that those displaying symptoms should refrain from coming into the office until the symptoms clear to avoid infecting others. Those who have suspected symptoms should work from home as a precaution.
If possible, it is recommended that all unnecessary business travel is avoided and that meetings are conducted via conference call facilities. Business critical personnel should make sure their process notes are up to date, and staff should also be pre-warned that their duties may change should a large amount of people become sick.
As a preventative measure, staff should also be advised to use antibacterial wipes and gels regularly and to keep their telephones and keyboards clean. It is recommended that employers should provide staff with a hygiene kit of tissues and sterilizing gel and should invite all visitors to use disinfectant wipes and hand wash when they enter the premises. Placing antibacterial gel throughout the office, similar to the system in hospitals, would also encourage people to maintain good hygiene levels. Notices reiterating the need for vigilance regarding the use of tissues and increased hygiene levels should also be placed around the office as a reminder.
If a member of staff is diagnosed, it is advised that their work space is immediately disinfected using face masks and antibacterial cleaning products. A regular deep disinfectant clean of all surfaces, cupboards, desks, cars, furnishings and blinds is also advised.
Some businesses are also offering a supply of free vitamins – such as slow release Vitamin C, Zinc and B12 – to help boost the immune system and mitigate the infection. Some businesses are also offering flu jabs to their staff, as medical advice is that jabs will assist if there is an outbreak of seasonal flu on top of the current pandemic. Providing staff with an antiviral such as Tamiflu may also be considered.
Those who have already been diagnosed with swine flu should be identified and should be trained and used to maintain core services.
Commenting on this Claire Prosser, policy executive for the Chamber, said: “These precautions and contingency plans should be rigorously enforced to reduce the impact of the pandemic. Businesses should follow developments daily, monitor staff absences, ‘bank up’ staff, review workloads, and react accordingly. It is clear that the media are escalating the worry factor, so it is important that companies do not panic but enforce the guidelines to reduce the risk of a significant impact on business.”
Quick advice on pandemic flu for individuals
If you think you have flu:
Quick advice for employers – Employees with symptoms of flu will be infectious for up to seven days. They should be sent home or advised not to attend work for one week or until the infection has passed. – You can limit the risk by providing:
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Notes to Editor
As recommended by Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, the British Chambers of Commerce is hosting a live WebTV show (webinar) on Tuesday 28 July at 11am to discuss the current situation, how businesses should prepare for swine flu and how you should react if it hits your business.
Joining presenter Ian Collins is Dr Laurence Buckman, Chairman of the General Practitioners Committee at the British Medical Association and David Frost, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce. They will also be joined by representatives from two businesses, including Chamber Business Alliance member, Polycom, who will discuss how their businesses are coping with the crisis.
This is an excellent opportunity to give businesses a chance to share their own contingency plans and ideas they have implemented to deal with the spread of swine flu in the workplace.
To submit a question live to the panel visit www.britishchambers.org.uk on Tuesday 28 July at 11:00-11.30am.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications. The typical symptoms are:
Is it safe to eat pig meat?
Yes.
The WHO says there is no evidence that swine flu can be transmitted through eating meat from infected animals. However, it is essential to cook meat properly. A temperature of 70°C would be sure to kill the virus.
Helpful web sites & contact details
Use the NHS Direct on-line swine flu symptom checker at: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu
Pandemic Influenza Checklist for Businesses
USA sites: www.Flu.gov & www.ready.gov
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swine_influenza
http://www.tvu.ac.uk/the_university/influenza_advice.jsp
Call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1513 513 or NHS Direct on 0845 4647
About the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group
The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group works with businesses across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire to help them achieve their full business potential through: meeting new customers; cutting costs; developing their workforce; influencing local decision makers; and arming them with business intelligence. Membership is available to all businesses.
For all press enquiries, please contact Marianne Creaney on 01753 870 518, email: mariannecreaney@thamesvalleychamber.co.uk
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce, National Chamber of the Year 2007,
Registered in England No 473106,
A company limited by guarantee,
467 Malton Ave, Slough, SL1 4QU.
01753 870 500