Employers face a ‘unprecedented challenge’ with the winter flu surge

An occupational health provider warned that the surge in flu cases this winter presents an “unprecedented challenge” to workplace and public healthcare.

Jack Latus, chief executive of Latus Group, has warned that up to 2.3 million workers could miss work over the next few weeks due to this winter’s influenza season.

Latus highlighted the latest data from NHS England which showed that on average, 5,408 flu cases were hospitalized in England every day during the week ending 5 January. This included 256 patients in critical care. This is a 21% increase from the 4,469 patients in critical care during the previous week.

Latus warned that the figures were 3.5 times higher than those reported in January 2024. This highlights the dramatic increase in flu cases.

This warning comes after research that suggests absence due to respiratory infections can cost employers up to PS44bn per year or equivalently PS852 for each employee.

Latus says that the impact of mass absences due to flu and similar illnesses in this winter could be detrimental to productivity, service delivery and overall economic stability.

The OH provider has as clients Dyson, Ford, and the NHS and offers services to around 4,000 companies.

Latus says, “This flu outbreak is a public and professional health crisis unprecedented in history.”

Our projections suggest a sick leave rate per 100,000 employees of 6,825. This could translate to 2.3 million absences from work, given the 33.77 million UK workers.

The total number of working days lost due to the flu this year could be staggering. This is especially true if you consider that this strain of flu has been particularly severe, resulting in longer recovery times.

“The potential of widespread disruption across the economy and in all sectors is undeniable. We’re especially concerned about the impact of large numbers of employees being unable to work, and urge businesses to treat this flu season with seriousness. Latus said that there are many measures companies can take to protect their employees, minimize disruptions and ensure continuity of operations.

The measures include encouraging employees at risk to get immunized against flu, and promoting healthy hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing or covering sneezes and coughs.

Another effective measure is to implement flexible working arrangements, allowing employees to work at home when they are feeling unwell.

Latus stated that other important responses employers can take this winter include developing contingency plans for managing potential staff shortages, and communicating clearly with employees about flu and its possible impact.