AS the swine flu pandemic level was raised to Phase 6, Alert level 3, the States advised businesses to reconsider their sick leave policy.

The prospect is for an increasing number of cases of swine flu in the coming weeks and months.

The status of the virus has changed from containment to treatment.

Social Security has created a form for employees to sign themselves off work for up to seven days if they have flu-like symptoms.

The form is available online on the swine flu page of the States website.

Chief officer Malcolm Nutley (pictured) said it had moved quickly because of the special circumstances.

‘The employer will do what they have to do in agreeing as to whether someone is legitimately off work as they do now with two- or three-day absences,’ he said.

The note acts as the equivalent of a doctor’s note and entitles employees to claim sickness benefit.

Director of public health Dr Stephen Bridgman said businesses should consider how ready they were for a flu pandemic.

‘This is a pragmatic move we have taken in expectation of an increase in the number of people contracting flu, expected widespread absence from the workplace, the demand that will place on doctors, and the risk of spreading infection by attendance at doctors’ surgeries,’ he said.Businesses urged to look at preparations