Business continuity planning
All Dorset firms should have a business continuity plan to deal with a wide range of potential disruptions. With the current (May 2009) outbreak of 'swine flu' originating from Mexico, now is an excellent time for local businesses to create/update their plans.
Business continuity planning is the creation of a logistical plan for how an organisation will recover and restore partially or completely interrupted functions within a predetermined time after an incident or extended disruption. This logistical plan is called a business continuity plan.
Business continuity planning is working out how to stay in business in the event of an incident, that could include:
- Fires
- Earthquakes
- Extreme weather (consider potential affects of climate change)
- Cyber attack
- Disease/pandemic
Swine flu business continuity planning
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted that a flu pandemic is very likely and imminent. Dorset businesses should consider the potential impacts of swine flu and look at preventing infection. For example:
- Ensure business continuity plans include pandemic scenarios
- Consider which functions must be maintained
- Review travel and hygiene policies
- Take steps to assess health of employees and send potentially infected workers home
- Allow staff to work from home, especially in highly populated areas
- Work collaboratively with customers and suppliers
A key action for businesses will be to stay up to date with the latest news and advice on swine flu from national and local media as well as the following websites:
DirectGov (opens in a new window)
Business Link South West (opens in a new window)
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