Mercer launches pandemic advisory service

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Mercer, H1N1 virus, swine flu, pandemic, health and benefits, absence management


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Contact: Alistair Peck
Tel: +44 20 7178 3143

Mercer launches pandemic advisory service

UK
London, 7 October 2009

Companies should review insured benefits and ensure adjustments to HR polices are considered in advance

Mercer’s health & benefits business has launched an advisory service for companies concerned about the impact of pandemics, including the H1N1 virus (swine flu), on their workforce.

Mercer’s service allows clients to identify oversights in company responses to pandemics, covering core areas such as absence, business continuity, communication, support and hygiene. The service also provides clients with an advice hotline on a short term basis.

“The service should be part of a range of measures that companies consider both now and for the future,” said Sarah Brown, a principal in Mercer’s health & benefit business.

“In advance, staff should be told how to report any symptoms; they should be made aware of their company’s absence and quarantine policies and any acceptable alternative working arrangements,” commented Ms Brown. ”They should also be informed of local arrangements for providing staff cover, relevant health and safety guidance and any other information and helplines that might be available.”

The pandemic advisory service includes an advice line offering support to managers for clinical questions. Aimed primarily at companies who do not have access to occupational health advice, the advice line will be available on an ad hoc basis to support human resource teams and managers deal with more complicated situations where specialist advice is required.

Mercer is advising companies to review their absence policies and address questions such as whether swine flu related absences would trigger disciplinary action, how quarantine periods should be treated or what the company policy should be if swine flu occurs at the same time as a holiday. The consultancy also believes that companies should review their insured benefits.

According to Ms Brown: “While medical plans have no specific restrictions the normal exclusions around primary care, vaccinations, out patient drugs and emergency care would apply and there may be restrictions on travel policies and death and disability benefits.”