If flu-like symptoms appear, send employees home and alert them to the relevant UK helplines:
- England: Use the online National Pandemic Flu Service for advice and possible medication, or call the swine flu helpline on 0800 1 513 513 for information or 0800 1 513 100 for treatment.
- Scotland: Contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.
- Wales: Contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.
- Northern Ireland: Contact the Northern Ireland National Swine Flu Helpline on 0800 0514 142 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).
Latest news
Employers warned to review swine flu plans
Organisations should prepare for up to half of their workforce to be absent if a second wave of swine flu hits the UK, says the CIPD
Irish employers demand swine flu sick notes
Employers in Ireland are insisting that staff who are off work because of swine flu produce a doctor’s certificate to verify their illness
Government plays down swine flu vaccination concern
The government is playing down the reluctance of NHS staff to take up the new swine flu vaccine, following a survey last week claiming that a third of nurses would refuse immunisation
Nurses reluctant to have swine flu vaccination
Only a third of nurses are willing to be vaccinated against swine flu, according to a new survey
Advice for employers
PM's Law at Work Q&A answers queries about employers' legal obligations, including duty of care, face masks and employees taking time off to care for sick relatives.
PM's What obligations do employers have towards staff during the swine flu pandemic?
PM's Swine flu and statutory sick pay: everything you need to know.
PM's Organisations need contingency plans for possible swine flu outbreak.
CIPD factsheet, Swine flu and bird flu.
Travel advice: The Foreign & Commonwealth office offers advice on overseas travel while the pandemic is ongoing.
Health and Safety Executive workplace guidance for pandemic flu.
The Cabinet Office has released a checklist of actions businesses should consider implementing in the event of a pandemic.
General information
The government has summarised news, travel advice, healthcare queries and general information about the swine flu outbreak.
The World Health Organisation is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine flu and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.
The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) has published advice for businesses.
Department of Health swine flu information leaflet
NHS swine flu Q&A
Swine flu helpline: 0800 1 513 513
Where to go for health advice
The Department of Health is currently advising people who have flu-like symptoms, or been in contact with someone who has, to stay at home and contact their GP or NHS Direct. They should not go into their GP surgery, or to a hospital, as they may spread the disease to others.
Department of Health flu symptom checker
NHS Direct: 0845 46 47
Further advice is available from the Health Protection Agency.