FrenchieGirl
Senior Moderator
Swine flu: pregnant women told to ?work as usual?
Lawyers warn employers to take extra precautions
Lucy Phillips
Publication date: 20 July 2009
Source: PM Online
Pregnant women should carry on going to work as usual during the swine flu pandemic, but take extra precautions where possible, the Department of Health (DH) has confirmed.
Amid increasing concern over the impact of swine flu on expectant women, officials said they should not alter their behaviour but avoid crowds and unnecessary travel. Pregnant women, who have a higher risk of developing complications from the virus, should also practice good hygiene, including washing hands frequently with soap and water.
The guidance from DH came following confusion over advice that was issued over the weekend, including reports that women should delay trying to conceive until after the pandemic. Pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand have been advised to wear masks in public and stay at home if possible to reduce the risk of swine flu. But ?complete isolation? would be an extreme reaction, authorities said.
Twenty-nine people have died from swine flu in the UK so far, with the number of new cases hitting 55,000 by the end of last week.
Later this week the government will launch a national pandemic flu service, which will include a phone hotline and internet advice, to help relieve pressure on GPs and other frontline NHS staff. Secondment arrangements have been put in place so that health workers can be immediately transferred to the service under their current employment terms and conditions.
Meanwhile, employment lawyers have warned that employers who fail to protect their staff adequately from the swine flu pandemic could face legal action. To avoid lawsuits, employers should take extra precautions to provide a safe working environment, including ensuring people with symptoms are sent home promptly and soap and hygiene gels are provided on site, according to the law firm Dickinson Dees.
?Clearly, each case will be judged differently and potential payouts would vary considerably. Ultimately it will be up to the employee to establish whether or not an employer is responsible for their having contracted the virus. By taking the necessary precautions well in advance, employers will protect themselves and their businesses from workplace disruption and the worry of lawsuits that could occur as a result,? said James Wilders, an employment law partner at the firm.
Economists have also warned that the epidemic could derail Britain?s economic recovery. The Ernst & Young Item Club said swine flu could cost the economy almost ?50 billion.
Lawyers warn employers to take extra precautions
Lucy Phillips
Publication date: 20 July 2009
Source: PM Online
Pregnant women should carry on going to work as usual during the swine flu pandemic, but take extra precautions where possible, the Department of Health (DH) has confirmed.
Amid increasing concern over the impact of swine flu on expectant women, officials said they should not alter their behaviour but avoid crowds and unnecessary travel. Pregnant women, who have a higher risk of developing complications from the virus, should also practice good hygiene, including washing hands frequently with soap and water.
The guidance from DH came following confusion over advice that was issued over the weekend, including reports that women should delay trying to conceive until after the pandemic. Pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand have been advised to wear masks in public and stay at home if possible to reduce the risk of swine flu. But ?complete isolation? would be an extreme reaction, authorities said.
Twenty-nine people have died from swine flu in the UK so far, with the number of new cases hitting 55,000 by the end of last week.
Later this week the government will launch a national pandemic flu service, which will include a phone hotline and internet advice, to help relieve pressure on GPs and other frontline NHS staff. Secondment arrangements have been put in place so that health workers can be immediately transferred to the service under their current employment terms and conditions.
Meanwhile, employment lawyers have warned that employers who fail to protect their staff adequately from the swine flu pandemic could face legal action. To avoid lawsuits, employers should take extra precautions to provide a safe working environment, including ensuring people with symptoms are sent home promptly and soap and hygiene gels are provided on site, according to the law firm Dickinson Dees.
?Clearly, each case will be judged differently and potential payouts would vary considerably. Ultimately it will be up to the employee to establish whether or not an employer is responsible for their having contracted the virus. By taking the necessary precautions well in advance, employers will protect themselves and their businesses from workplace disruption and the worry of lawsuits that could occur as a result,? said James Wilders, an employment law partner at the firm.
Economists have also warned that the epidemic could derail Britain?s economic recovery. The Ernst & Young Item Club said swine flu could cost the economy almost ?50 billion.