Experts in Business

Swine flu is a form of influenza that originated in pigs but can be caught by, and spread among, people. It has similar symptoms to normal flu, typically the type we are exposed to in winter months.

It is worth noting that there is currently a low risk associated with swine flu and the sensible approach is to follow any guidelines issued by the Department of Health. If there is someone in the office who has or is displaying flu-like symptoms and has recently travelled to Mexico or been in contact with someone who has, it would be advisable to send that person home and get them to contact either their GP or NHS Direct. This is the advice from Sheila Hudson at the HR Dept.

How should a business deal with its employees when discussing Swine Flu?
• State the facts and make sure they are aware of updates.
• Promote safety steps.
• Don’t cause alarm.
• Remind everyone about the sickness absence policy.
• If things do develop further and guidelines are issued then devise an action plan on staffing arrangements, travel etc… should Swine Flu impact your business and any key members of staff.

What should a business do if one of their employees is diagnosed with Swine Flu?
It would be advisable to ensure everyone who has had contact with any affected employees is monitored closely.

It would of course be advisable to make sure there is a thorough clean of all hard surfaces to reduce the spread of infection. Individuals can reduce the risk of infection by making sure a tissue is used when sneezing or coughing, immediately disposing of it and washing hands regularly.

If an employee or a number of employees are off sick then normal sickness absence rules should apply, the key as always is not to discriminate and apply the same rules to all staff.

If you think someone is not genuinely ill and you have evidence to support this, you need to refer to your sickness absence rules and managing disciplinary guidelines.