Public and Commercial Services Union

Issues within the current situation

Absence management

We know that staff often feel pressured by current attendance and absence management regimes, to attend the workplace unless they are completely incapacitated.

Employers need to consider the point at which they should suspend formal attendance and absence management procedures for those who may have come into contact with someone at risk of having swine flu and who feel that they might be developing flu-like symptoms.

It is better for any such individual to know that they can take the time to get their symptoms checked out and the cause properly established rather than feeling that they have to attend their workplace.

All reps need to be vigilant that their departments and agencies are still applying their usual rules on self certification and should be following Cabinet Office advice issued in disregarding swine flu absences from pay reduction triggers.

Issuing and wearing of face masks

As of 29 April, official advice within the UK is that face masks are unlikely to be necessary and that they may actually be harmful in preventing spread of infection.

That position may change and employers should, as part of their contingency plans, be ready to issue suitable protection to staff, should that become advisable.

Pictures in the media of the widespread use of face masks in areas of the world where infection rates are higher may encourage staff within the UK, particularly those who feel they are at higher risk of exposure, to request the issue of face masks or even to procure their own.

It is important that this issue is dealt with sensitively. Employers need to understand the concerns of staff and respond with reasoned argument to any such situation.

Staff should be aware, however, that any such mask that does not meet minimum standards is unlikely to provide any additional protection to the wearer.

‘At risk’ groups

Certain indiviuals - such as those who are regularly invited to have a flu jab by their GP under the NHS innoculation system - may feel at increased risk from contact with anyone who might be displaying symptoms..

Because the exact parameters of the current strain of flu virus are not yet fully explored, it is difficult to predict whether the particularly at risk groups to standard flu infection will also have a particular susceptibility to the H1N1 swine flu strain.

Such individuals should seek detailed advice from their GP or one of the NHS services, if they are concerned about particular susceptibilities within the current situation. For England and Wales, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. In Scotland, call NHS 24, on 08454 242424.

Some employees with caring responsibilities for people who fall into the groups identified as vulnerable may also have concerns about passing it on to these people. Again such concerns should be treated with sensitivity.

Employers also need to ensure that they are not promoting a ‘one size fits all’ approach but taking account of individual circumstances.