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Swine flu has spread across the world since emerging in Mexico and is now officially the first flu pandemic for 40 years. Experts fear millions of people will be infected.
That is the headline, and although the reality seems to be less overwhelming, it is a stark reminder that all businesses should have business continuity arrangements in place for unexpected events. You should regularly review your business continuity plans to prepare for the potential impacts of the swine flu pandemic. 
"Catch it - Bin it - Kill it"
A little information on Planning for Staff Absence:
Current assumptions suggest absence rates for illness may reach 12% of the workforce at the peak of the pandemic.
Current data and experience of previous pandemics suggests people will be unavailable for work for an average of approximately 10 calendar days for clinical cases without complications, and 14 calendar days for those with complications.
Also included in the assumption is an estimate for those at home caring for ill children. However, it does not include any additional absence due to fear of contracting swine flu or the need to look after adult dependants who are ill. (Further absences have been estimated due to school closures.)
Business Closures:
The government does not intend to;
Any decisions to close businesses are for business managers to make. The government is working in partnership with many infrastructure operators in response to the outbreak of swine flu and they are being regularly kept up to date with information.
Home Working:
As part of your ongoing business continuity planning, you should consider whether the possibility of home working would be appropriate and feasible, e.g. by finding out which staff have a broadband internet connection that is able to meet their home-working needs.
However, there is lots to think about when you are considering setting up home workers such as infrastructure equipment, and suitable broadband packages, and you are advised to speak to a supplier for advice. 
Home working
Personally speaking...
Fuel Supplies:
The government has been working with the energy sector, trade associations and energy companies to ensure their contingency plans are up to date. Even with staff absences at levels of 20% to 25% there are unlikely to be any significant disruptions to fuel supplies.
If absences do reach these levels, any fuel shortages are expected to be localised and relatively short lived.
More Information:
The Business Advisory Network for Flu (BANF) An initiative that aims to help businesses prepare for the effects of swine flu by ensuring delivery of swine flu information, advice and guidance.
Swine Flu Information Line: 0800 1523 513 National Pandemic Flu Service: 0800 1513 100
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