Although there has been a decrease in the recent reported cases of swine flu, there is expected to be a significant increase in cases during the Autumn/Winter months.

Advice from the NHS for businesses is obviously in line with their high profile “Catch it, Bin it, Kill it” campaign, which promotes good hygiene procedures designed to prevent the spread and infection. These primarily include:

-   Prominently displaying signage reminding people of the symptoms, the importance of self-isolation and good hand hygiene.
-   Cleaning surfaces frequently.
-   Where practicable have effective hand hygiene facilities available to all, including visitors (i.e. hand rubs/gels).
-   Consider in advance how to best manage people who develop the symptoms.
-   Reduce face-to-face meetings where possible and encourage the use of video or telephone communication.
-   Consider the use of home working for those for whom it would be a practicable option.
-   Advice to staff should be if you have the symptoms then stay at home until they have gone. Although they will need a doctors certificate after 7 days.

For further information download “Pandemic Flu - Guidance for Business” by following this link  http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/187638/flu_businesses_risk_guidance.pdf (opens in a new window)