Published: Friday, 26th June, 2009 1:07pm

Swine flu: the facts, the fears, the future

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Local authorities have expressed concerns that businesses and workers could be seriously affected by the outbreak of swine flu sweeping the area.

More than 12 schools across Slough and the Royal Borough have been hit by the potentially lethal virus which so far has affected mainly children.

However councils are fearful that the impact of the mild flu may be felt in the commercial sector as workers stay at home to tend sick children or even catch the virus itself.

Yesterday (Thursday) authorities revealed they are in talks with employers across the region.

In just a week swine flu has affected eight Slough schools, five in the Royal Borough - with a total of 92 cases and councils issuing regular updates.

Slough has been hit hard by the virus where Wexham Secondary School, Wexham Court and Long Close School have been closed temporarily. Scores of other pupils showing symptoms of the illness are being tested.

A spokeswoman from Slough Borough Council said: 'Obviously it has been a difficult week and unsettling and there will be more cases. But people should not panic.

'We"ve been in talks with businesses. It is not just about what they can do if an employee catches swine flu but how to cope if their employees need time off work to look after their children who are either sick or off school because it has closed.

We"re here to support business during this time.'

The Royal Borough is also concerned about the effects on commerce and is now preparing advice on the issue.

Europe"s largest trading estate SEGRO off Bath Road, Slough, has been closely monitoring the situation to ensure the welfare of its employees and the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce has issued guidelines to firms urging business travellers to ensure they have all the necessary vaccine when travelling abroad.

Policy executive Claire Prosser said: 'Anything unexpected that takes staff away from the office will be a problem. It could affect businesses but companies always have back up plans in place for things such as bad weather and it would be the same for an outbreak of swine flu.

'Companies might use temp staff or have employees work flexible hours or from home. I think the main guidance for businesses is to step up hygiene levels.'