Swine flu warning to businesses

Firms need to do more to prepare for swine flu, say business figures

Too few companies are making contingency plans against the possible spread of swine flu this autumn, it has been warned.

The Federation of Small Businesses is meeting Scottish Government officials to discuss measures firms need to take.

Companies have been told to think about how they would cope with staff shortages or where they would source materials if a supplier cannot deliver.

The FSB said a failure to prepare could have severe consequences for firms.

Business advice

The Scottish Government has issued guidance for businesses.

On its website it says that: "The principal risk to the continuity of critical business functions in a pandemic is the shortage of staff both within organisations and in suppliers and subcontractors."

It advises companies to identify work that is critical and work that can be deferred.

It also suggests that firms put in place arrangements to maintain good communication with staff, customers and suppliers.

The Federation of Small Businesses said it worried that too few companies were paying attention to the advice.

Andy Willox, the FSB's Scottish policy convener, said: "Far too many small businesses seem to think this threat will just pass them by."