Chamber Information

In recent weeks swine flu has moved back up the agenda with sadly, a number of deaths. That said, this strain of flu doesn't appear one of the more deadly ones.


It could start causing significant disruption to businesses though so here are a few useful hints and tips to point you in the right direction, ensuring that if a pandemic does strike, your business is in the best possible shape to cope and survive:

Review and update your business continuity plan, you should consider drafting a specific version for pandemic flu bearing in mind that the plan will need to be easily accessible and available to a wider audience than normally the case
Make sure staff are trained and able to cover for absent colleagues, ensure all key activities and roles have written procedures so in an emergency anyone can use the procedures and get the job done
Issue staff with guidelines making particular reference to maintaining hygiene standards such as cleaning shared office equipment with antibacterial wipes, regular hand washing, disposing of used tissues immediately, and staying away from work if you have flu like symptoms
Review HR policies - Do staff receive sick pay? Do people get sick pay if they have to care for a sick relative? Do people get paid if sent home as a precautionary measure? Or if they're too frightened to come to work? Do you have a clear policy regarding time off for funerals? Clearly it would be wise to look into all of these questions before a crisis hits - Chamber members should make use of Chamber HR, free employment and health & safety support through a dedicated HR advice line supported by a comprehensive bespoke website. Chamber HR gives you access to the advice and documentation you need to implement good HR practice and policies, the website offers access to over 150 downloadable policies, forms, documents, letters, templates and factsheets - more information can be found by visiting www.cumbriachamber.co.uk
A word of caution - don't buy medicines over the internet, most of what's available isn't genuine. There are a number of reliable sources, we have contact with at least one if anyone would like further details please get in touch


There are a number of organisations which provide further advice and information should you need to make use of this:

Cumbria Emergency Planning Unit - contains practical advice to businesses on this and other potential crises, plus information on emergency support within Cumbria

British Chambers of Commerce - useful guidance for business travellers

World Health Organisation - WHO are responsible for providing leadership on global health matters

Foreign & Commonwealth Office - from climate change and financial instability, to health pandemics and weapons proliferation, the UK's national security and prosperity depend on the work of the FCO

Department of Health - responsible for health protection, health improvement and health inequalities issues in England including pandemic influenza and seasonal flu

Health Protection Agency - prepared advice for the public and for healthcare professionals on swine influenza

Business Link Northwest - understand the risks and brief your staff, keep informed and review your business readiness

lesleye@cumbriachamber.co.uk



Cumbria Chamber of Commerce - the Ultimate Business Network