The Guardian reports that those most vulnerable to swine flu, such as pregnant women and those suffering disabilities, are likely to sue if their company does not offer adequate precautions, such as flexible working.
Lawyers state that organisations are already seeing increasing litigation by employees, with almost 190,000 employment tribunals last year, signifying an increase of 43 per cent.
Last month representatives from 130 businesses and groups warned others of the likely rates of absenteeism as the pandemic spreads, with the government also offering advise.
The scale of swine flu places a high duty of care on employers to take precautions for their staff. By implementing flexible and remote working policies organisations can ensure that staff stay at home to recover from the illness, whilst also ensuring productivity is maintained in their absence.
The effects of swine flu on businesses have already caused alarm among many, with the chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, John Wright, predicting a 5 per cent fall in GDP this year. Flexible and remote working can help make sure the effects aren’t too severe.
Find out more about flexible working technology at the Interchange Group.
As featured in The Guardian.