This Is Guernsey

By Zoe Ash

THE managing director of at least one business is not happy with employees being given the right to self-diagnose swine flu.

‘No thought has been given to the consequences which could lead to a vast amount of people deciding to take time off assuming they have “swine flu”. Doctors should decide,’ said Image Group’s Steve Gillman (pictured).

He said businesses should have been given clear guidelines before it was announced publicly.

‘I am confident that Image’s staff won’t abuse the system, but I suspect other companies will see a small element of their staff who will take it upon themselves to do so.

‘It puts an employer in a very difficult position, as they now have no recourse on the matter.’

Although there were some concerns among other employers, none was as critical as Mr Gillman.

‘It is a slightly unusual set of circumstances and we certainly hope the staff follow the rules,’ said Tony Creasey, the managing director of Creaseys and Marks & Spencer franchise.

‘We just need to ensure that people have not been off work during the day and partying all night.

‘It is clear doctors’ surgeries could potentially become overrun if the number does escalate and if people are feeling unwell it is probably best they don’t come in to work and spread the virus,’ he said.

Co-founder Dame Mary Perkins said Specsavers had advised its staff if they did develop flu-like symptoms they must stay at home and call a doctor and not come into work.

‘Our colleagues in the UK only need to complete a sickness self-certification form after seven days. That has been the case for several years as it is government policy and it has never been a problem for us,’ she said.

A Policy Council spokesman said each States department was responsible for its own plan for handling the potential impact of swine flu, particularly in dealing with staff absence.

‘A plan is in place for the running of Sir Charles Frossard House. Plans will vary for each department in relation to their daily contacts with the public,’ he said.

Article posted on 10th July, 2009 - 1.00pm