LONDON, May 30 /PRNewswire/ --
- UK Bosses and Managers Admit Failure to Prepare for an Influenza
Pandemic, Despite Recognising and Understanding the Risks
New YouGov research launched today reveals that despite being aware of
the severe implications of an impending influenza pandemic, most bosses and
managers believe their companies are ill-prepared. Over three-quarters (79%)
of UK bosses admit that their company has insufficient plans or are unaware
of plans in place to protect their workers and annual turnover from the
impact of a pandemic strike.
The research sponsored by Roche Products Ltd highlights the depth of
concern with 2 in 5 of UK bosses and managers predicting that over 1/3 of
their workforce will be absent from work due to sickness, or at home looking
after friends and family, if an influenza pandemic hits the UK.
According to experts the estimated overall economic impact of a pandemic
strike could cost the UK GBP95 billion, and the World Health Organisation
(WHO) and other health experts are also forecasting that we are even closer
to an influenza pandemic than we have ever been in the last forty years.
Yet, despite being aware of some of the likely social and economic
impacts of such an event, this is still not enough to prompt business to take
action. Only one in five (22%) managers admit that their business is prepared
for a pandemic, and nearly three quarters (71%) also predicted they will
suffer moderate to substantial financial losses due to mass employee
absenteeism caused by a pandemic.
Russell Price, Chairman of the Continuity Forum claims: "This research
shows that that despite the warnings the vast majority of firms do not have
sufficient plans in place to respond to the very considerable impact a
pandemic would cause. By failing to invest in sensible measures to protect
the organisation, many businesses are exposing themselves to potentially
serious difficulties which would directly impact on their ability to operate
effectively, if at all and even, in many instances, force their closure."
The Financial Services and Medical/Health Service industries are the most
prepared for an influenza pandemic, with 30% and 29% respectively, believing
they have sufficient plans in place, with just 16% of other industries, who
admit to having plans in place. The research also revealed managers surveyed
in larger firms (250+ staff) are better prepared to deal with the impact of
an influenza pandemic, with nearly half (44%) reporting plans in place.
The research also identified significant gaps in the fundamental steps
that businesses need to take to ensure they are prepared, according to
managers who have influenza business continuity plans:
- 85% have no plans or are unaware of plans to stockpile future vaccines
to protect their employees
- 82% have no plans or are unaware of plans to stockpile antiviral
medication to protect their employees
- 45% as yet have no plans or aware of plans in place to equip
employees to work from home
- 40% would currently be unable to provide online/Internet solutions for
clients
John Melville, Managing Director of Roche Products Ltd in the UK said:
"It is imperative that organisations start the business continuity planning
process for an influenza pandemic as soon as possible. Roche is committed to
supporting UK businesses to prepare for an influenza pandemic and believe
that as manufacturers of Tamiflu [oseltamivir], we have a responsibility to
do so. We are currently working with external advisers to finalise our own
internal pandemic plan, part of which, includes provision of antiviral drug
to all employees and members of their households."
Roche
For further information please contact: James_pieslak@uk.cohnwolfe.com, +44-(0)2073315309
