Vast majority of UK businesses are unprepared for an influenza pandemic

New YouGov research published earlier this week reveals that, despite being aware of the severe implications of any future influenza pandemic, most UK bosses and managers believe their companies are ill-prepared. Over three-quarters (79 percent) of UK bosses admit that their company has insufficient plans or are unaware of plans in place to protect their workers and annual turnover from the impact of an influenza pandemic.

The research, sponsored by Roche Products Ltd, also found that nearly three quarters (71 percent) of respondents predict that they will suffer moderate to substantial financial losses due to mass employee absenteeism caused by a pandemic.

The financial services and medical/health service industries are the most prepared for an influenza pandemic, with 30 percent and 29 percent respectively, believing they have sufficient plans in place. The research also revealed that managers surveyed in larger firms (250+ staff) are better prepared to deal with the impact of an influenza pandemic than their smaller counterparts, with nearly half (44 percent) reporting that plans are in place.

The research also identified ‘significant gaps in the fundamental steps that businesses need to take to ensure they are prepared’. According to managers who have influenza business continuity plans:

- 85 percent have no plans or are unaware of plans to stockpile future vaccines to protect their employees;
- 82 percent have no plans or are unaware of plans to stockpile antiviral medication to protect their employees;
- 45 percent as yet have no plans or aware of plans in place to equip employees to work from home;
- 40 percent would currently be unable to provide online/Internet solutions for clients.

•Date: 31st May 2007 • Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
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