Swine Flu - London Underground's Guidance

Below is the company's (not the union's!) guidance on swine flu. Comments welcome!

Please find below our current response and actions you should take for staff that report sick with swine flu or flu like symptoms. This advice supersedes all previous advice with immediate effect. Please cascade this as necessary.

Employees that can prove that they had actual swine flu, and proof will be either a GP certificate or evidence of having been prescribed Tamiflu must be recorded as sick explanation accepted. This is strictly for those with proof. The SAP code for this is 160.

For those that have flu like symptoms and or have been advised that they may have swine flu and haven’t been prescribed Tamiflu and / or in receipt of a GP certificate clearing stating swine flu (or H1N1 virus) these staff should be recorded as normal sickness – Influenza – the SAP code for this is 320.

If the employee then infringes the AAW policy this item of sickness should be recorded as No Formal Action – Item Stands.

Please find below a number of frequently asked questions and answers relating to swine flu.

  • An employee has been identified as having swine flu, what should I do?

    If the employee is at work they should be sent home. If they are already at home they should stay home until recovered. Employees should keep their manager informed using mutually agreed contact arrangements. Occupational Health do not need to be informed unless there are ongoing health problems and this can be done on their return to work.

  • How are we recording swine flu on SAP?

    Swine flu should be recorded as Influenza under code 320 on SAP.

  • Are flu like symptoms and suspected flu like symptoms being recorded as swine flu?

    There is no specific code for swine flu, all flu like illnesses including swine flu should be recorded as Influenza under sickness code 320.

  • Does absence related to swine flu count as an item?

    We are recording the absence where the employee provides evidence of having contracted genuine swine flu as sick explanation accepted on SAP (code 160). Any other flu like symptoms or cases where the employee may have swine flu but hasn’t provided evidence of having contracted genuine swine flu should be recorded as Influenza using code 320 on SAP.

  • Will there be a new code on sap for Swine Flu?

    No.

  • Should I come into work if I'm in contact with someone with it?

    If you feel well you should report for work as normal however if you are unwell you should check your symptoms and contact the NHS of your GP if you are concerned.

  • Will LU provide Tamiflu/vaccinations for staff?

    No, the Government, through the NHS is in charge of the distribution of medication specifically for swine flu.

  • What about 'at risk' groups? Do they need any extra assistance?

    Employees who believe they fall under the ‘at risk/vulnerable’ group should seek advice from the NHS or their GP immediately. The list of vulnerable groups is available on the intranet.

  • What about pregnant employees?

    Most pregnant women who get swine flu recover without difficulty. The increased risk of complications (mainly pneumonia) occur primarily for those in the third trimester of pregnancy (last three months of pregnancy) and although the risk is increased, it remains low. The risk of pregnant women contracting swine flu in our working environment remains low however you should assess each case on its merits and make adjustments where necessary.

  • Have we got contingency plans for if lots of people are off? Can LUL operate safely?

    TfL has well developed and tested contingency plans that will keep the transport system operating in the event of a major flu outbreak. These were prepared in partnership with the relevant authorities and we continue to liaise closely with them and the health authorities who are in the lead in monitoring and advising on the situation.

  • If my child is infected - should I come to work?

    If you feel well you should report for work as normal however if you are unwell you should check your symptoms and contact the NHS of your GP if you are concerned.

  • My child / partner / close relative etc has been diagnosed with swine flu and I am the only one who can care for them – what do I do?

    Employees who are unable to attend work for domestic reasons related to swine flu e.g. a family member being ill due to the pandemic outbreak, a school or nursery closure or any other care arrangements, should be advised that normal expectations apply with regard to the application of special leave procedures. As in any other circumstance, it is for the employee to use their judgement as to whether they can attend work and should the employee decide not to attend work they should apply for the appropriate leave provision i.e. special leave unpaid, annual leave etc.

  • If someone has caught it (i.e. in a ticket office) can I refuse to work there on the grounds of health and safety?

    No. If you feel well you should report for work as normal however if you are unwell you should check your symptoms and contact the NHS of your GP if you are concerned.

  • The advice from GPs seems to vary to individuals from ‘stay at home for 2 weeks’ to ‘stay at home until your symptoms are gone’. How long do we consider it acceptable for an individual to remain off work?

    Staff should return to work as soon as the symptoms have cleared and they are fit to return.