The current swine flu pandemic is set to cause huge numbers of absentee employees across the UK. Absentee levels are being further increased by parents or carers looking after those affected, staff too worried to come to work and bogus claims of sickness from employees abusing the ‘stay away’ approach recommended by the government and health experts. 

The Eversheds Pandemic Flu Survey of more than 420 businesses and organisations across the UK indicates the majority (72%) have already suffered absenteeism due to swine flu. The findings reveal widespread concern over the potential future implications of employee absenteeism, with 38% of businesses believing they will lose revenue and one in five (21%) indicating they expect to have to close or part close premises.  

Clearly employers need to plan for and look at smart use of flexible/remote working initiatives if they are to ensure business continues to the greatest possible extent during the predicted winter peak in numbers of absent employees. 

This one-day briefing draws on BFI’s four-year track record in pandemic planning events and will provide organisations with real and practical advice for tackling the problem of absenteeism. The day will provide advice on preventive measures your organisation can take immediately, flexible working strategies and key business continuity principles to follow.

Previous BFI Pandemic Planning event feedback:

Lots of points to consider in our need to plan for a pandemic – Office Depot UK Ltd

All very factual, did not scare-monger, speakers told it as it is and their knowledge and experiences were extremely beneficial. All speakers produced an overall rounded view on issues associated with pandemic flu – University of Bradford

The conference has covered the elements we have looked at internally and provided a useful benchmark – Barclaycard

Useful to have speakers who have experienced a pandemic rather than theorising – well done! – The Land Registry

Very good mix of both public and private sector issues – Scottish Ambulance Service

A very useful cross-section of presentations and speakers – Financial Services Authority

A lot of things for consideration – very worthwhile – Cheltenham & Gloucester Building Society

Has provided a wide perspective and range of views across various spheres of the public sector on which to expand our plans. Issues raised that I had not considered – Lloyds TSB

Well informed and relevant speakers – Royal Bank of Scotland

Informative, little hype and I trusted the information given – Norwich Union

Very good range of topics covered with some excellent speakers. Am able to take new ideas back to my workplace – Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue

Excellent conference, speakers covered the wide breadth of issues involved – Tesco Stores

Many points raised that will influence the ongoing development of contingency planning in my organisation – British American Tobacco

Informative speakers with different perspectives – have never before been to a conference where every speaker was relevant! – Scottish Courage

Would be pretty difficult to better this event – Royal & SunAlliance Insurance