Managers 'should not panic over swine flu'

People with management skills should not panic over fears that swine flu
could disrupt their businesses, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has
said.

The union group has urged employers to develop strategies that will
allow them to carry on their operations in case the spread of the virus affects
staff.

Flexible working and working from home are two options
organisations can roll out, but there is no necessity for measures like face
masks, the TUC said.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the union body,
explained: "There is no reason for employers to take panic measures when simple
good hygiene and encouraging staff who are sick to stay at home is the best
immediate response.

"Rather than buying up supplies of anti-viral
medication to give to their staff or stockpiling supplies of latex gloves and
disposable facemasks, employers should be concentrating on putting sensible
plans in place."

A recent study by the Chartered Management Institute
found that 38 per cent of organisations in the UK have no contingency plans for
an influenza pandemic.