CIPD issues swine flu wake-up as employers relax their guard
September 1st 2009 UK businesses should prepare for staff absence rates of up to 50% for periods of between two and four weeks this autumn and winter in their contingency planning or the expected second wave of swine flu.
This is the advice in joint guidance published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) as schools return from the summer – a factor which some experts believe could help trigger the expected second wave of swine flu.
The new guide, Risk and Business Continuity Management, makes it clear that in the event of a widely predicted second and more serious wave of swine flu, many businesses will see a significant increase in absence rates beyond those enforced through illness alone, with possible widespread closures of school and childcare facilities.
The guidance warns businesses to take the following steps:
· Prioritise essential activities
· Provide cross training of staff in critical areas so employees have the skills to fill in for absent colleagues
· Consider remote working to prevent spread of infection
· Consider reducing human contact for those with key skills
· Consider increasing customer self-service options such as telephone and online transactions
· Keep on top of government advice and adapt plans to reflect changes
· Communicate plans with staff, customers and suppliers
· Follow public health agency advice on efficient ways to contain the virus
· Provide a safe workplace by implementing rules on health reporting, office and personal hygiene, protective equipment, social distancing and working hours More articles from HSM News Desk: | 
