A major infectious disease outbreak such as an influenza pandemic will place considerable pressure on all organisations and most individuals. Although business continuity plans made for other disruptive challenges provide a solid base, contingency arrangements for an influenza pandemic need to recognise the unique nature of some of its characteristics, particularly its likely duration and the fact that higher levels of absenteeism are likely to be a major factor.
Vulnerable groups planning guidance
The Cabinet Office has produced the guidance document, 'Identifying People who are Vulnerable in a Crisis'. Although originally developed for responders in England and Wales, the principles and methods for identifying vulnerable groups are equally applicable across the UK so the document is also relevant for responders in Scotland.
General planning guidance
In May 2005, the Cabinet Office and Office of the Deputy Prime Minister issued initial guidance via Regional Resilience Directors to local responders on contingency planning for a possible influenza pandemic.
This document updates and adds to that guidance. It builds on, and develops in some areas, Annex J of the UK Health Departments' Pandemic Influenza Contingency Plan (October 2005).
Schools, childcare and children's services
Further and Higher Education
Business