Businesses have been urged to take the necessary measures to prepare themselves in the midst of the outbreak of swine flu.

Jonathan Hollow, head of public sector reform at businesslink.gov.uk, the business advice and support service, funded by the government, says: ”With good planning, businesses can minimise the impact of most crises, including large numbers of your staff potentially being on sick leave.

“It’s important to identify what the potential risks are and the possible impact on the business, produce a crisis plan and test it to see whether it works.”

Microbiologist and inventor of hygiene technology Byotrol, Stephen Falder, says: “As a contagious disease, swine flu is easily contracted through high-contact areas or via human contact, which means offices are a prime target for infection.

“However, employers can safeguard their business against this threat through planning and protection, including increased hygiene.”