Jersey, Channel Islands

Using the following guidelines to write your plan will help analyse the risks and so minimise the impacts of a pandemic on your business:

1. Prepare for the potential loss of 50% of the workforce over one or more waves of a pandemic each lasting 12-15 weeks and occurring weeks or months apart.
2. Allow for relocating staff to other sites or homes to avoid crowded situations where infection rates will be greater.
3. Identify scenarios, e.g. working normally as far as is practicable, taking account of staff shortages and other related pandemic issues; or “shutting up shop” as far as possible.
4. Identify the Pandemic Incident Management Team (and a ‘back up’ team in the event of team members becoming unavailable).
5. Develop a Pandemic Operating Regime which should become operational during the Pandemic Outbreak phase (or earlier).
6. What will the trigger point be? Identify when the Pandemic Operating Regime will come into play. This could be when a previously determined number of staff become absent or when the government officially declares a pandemic.
7. What are the company’s critical processes that will need to be sustained throughout?
8. Who are the critical personnel whom the company cannot do without?
9. Can other staff be cross-trained to take over in an emergency situation?
10. Communication – ensure staff, customers and other interested parties are kept informed of the company’s preparedness planning for a pandemic situation and updates are issued regularly.
11. Staff welfare – refer to Government guidelines and establish a policy on staff welfare during a pandemic such as how to deal with infected staff, when to quarantine and offering counselling in the event of bereavement.
12. Review HR policies with regard to absenteeism, compassionate and sick leave, wages, etc.
13. Monitor events as they happen and be aware of government measures such as travel restrictions or quarantines.
14. Identify staff who can work remotely, either from home or another location.
15. Review IT and telecoms networks to allow for usage by remote workers (and increased customer usage).
16. Video-conferencing and other communication alternatives can be used to allow essential staff to continue working productively.
17. Supplies – how will critical functions be maintained if essential supplies are disrupted? Check suppliers have pandemic business continuity plans and make sure they are tested regularly.
18. Stakeholders – ensure they are aware of your pandemic preparedness planning.
19. Travel – establish how travel restrictions could affect productivity and how to deal with employees ‘stranded’ in other countries where a pandemic has been declared.
20. Test and test again – test plans frequently and as they are triggered by alerts. Review during each phase and update as necessary.

For further information

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