The number of new cases of swine flu in the UK almost doubled (external website) over week 42 of 2009 (12 to 18 October 2009), according to latest official data from the Department of Health. The number of new cases rose by 96% from 27,000 in week 41 (5 to 11 October 2009) to 53,000 in week 42. These figures strongly suggest that we are about to see the next wave of swine flu hit the UK. It is therefore essential that employers are prepared for the workplace impact of this new wave of the swine flu pandemic.
Absence rates are likely to rise dramatically as the new wave of swine flu gets into full swing. The Guardian reports (external website) that new guidance for NHS planners says:
[A]s many as 35,000 people could require hospital treatment during the outbreak and as much as 15% of that number may need critical care treatment. In the peak week of the outbreak, expected sometime this winter, up to 1.5 million people could be suffering from swine flu, the new guidance suggests.
To help employers keep up to date with the swine flu pandemic, we have gathered together the latest information from XpertHR on the subject, along with links to external resources for employers. XpertHR's swine flu resources page includes regular updates for employers on all aspects of managing the workplace impact of the swine flu pandemic.
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