date: 14 June 2007

embargo: 00.01hrs Friday 15 June 2007

Don't panic, TUC tells employers over pandemic flu

The TUC has today (Friday) published advice for employers and unions on how workplaces could best prepare for a possible outbreak of pandemic flu within the UK.

The TUC guide warns of the possibility that employers could fall victim to 'snake-oil' salesmen, as happened during the recent SARS outbreak, and urges employers not to panic or stockpile products that could have no impact on the spread of the virus.

Although no-one knows when an outbreak could occur in the UK, the TUC shares the view of the Government that it is important for employers to prepare for any pandemic, if and when it occurs.

Given the worst case scenario that up to 50% of the population could become ill over a period of three to six months with as many as 750,000 deaths as a result, any outbreak could have a massive affect on UK workplaces.

The TUC advice calls on employers to start preparing now and develop a contingency plan for dealing with an outbreak that could disrupt transport, supplies, banking, the internet and see up to 50% of the workforce absent at any one time. With schools likely to close for example, many working parents would be unable to come into work.

The TUC wants to see employers develop plans for working from home, dealing with sickness absence, and encouraging better personal hygiene at work.

Commenting on the report, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "Unions are already telling us of sales companies phoning up employers offering to supply anti-viral medication to their staff in the event of an outbreak. Others are trying to sell supplies of latex gloves or disposable facemasks on the back of the pandemic flu threat. It is important that employers don't panic, but put sensible plans in place.

'There is also no evidence that the use of latex gloves or disposable masks in most workplace situations would have any effect on the spread of the virus and it is likely that people might feel that if they wear such protection they can come into work even if they are ill. This could lead to an increased risk.

'If large companies buy up stocks of anti-virals simply to keep their staff at work during an outbreak, this could have serious implications for the treatment of people who actually get ill and really need anti-viral medication.

'An influenza pandemic could happen at any time. Just because the summer months are approaching, there's no reason why employers shouldn't be thinking now about how they can plan for the future.'

Instead the TUC guide recommends that employers seek advice from the Department of Health on what they can do to prepare for a pandemic.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The TUC guidance is available at http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/fluguidance.pdf

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Register for the TUC's press extranet : a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

Contacts:

Media enquiries: Elly Brenchley T: 020 7467 1337; M: 07900 910624;
E: ebrenchley@tuc.org.uk

Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248; M: 07778 158175; E: media@tuc.org.uk

Press release (600 words) issued 15 Jun 2007