UK businesses could also fall victim to bird flu – contingency planning now will limit economic loss
March 2nd 2006

New reports estimate that up to half of staff could fall ill or be absent from work if a bird flu pandemic hits and the UN warns that the virus is spreading. But employers are still failing to recognise the financial blow that bird flu could have on their business, and are not make contingency plans quick enough, says leading UK provider of business information and advice, Croner.

Employers that fail to consider both coping with staff shortages and practical workplace hygiene risk bird flu damaging the economic health of their business. Croner is receiving a growing number of calls to its telephone helplines from employers unsure if they should prepare for bird flu. Richard Smith, employment services director, says many of its clients are underestimating or unconcerned about the potential impact of the virus.

Croner is advising employers to put a contingency plan in place with contribution from HR, Health & Safety, and senior management personnel. The plan may include a simple information bulletin to employees to keep them informed of where they can travel to and where to avoid, or providing suitable equipment for employees to continue to work from home. Once a plan has been developed it is then up to the organisation to ensure that all employees are aware of it.

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