Businesses who ignore bird flu warnings are running the risk of ruining the health of their businesses says the boss of Business Link.

Chief Executive Graeme Finch ordered his own organisation to have staff crisis planning meetings this week to work out flu pandemic strategies and urged other businesses to do the same.

Mr Finch says businesses are foolish to ignore reports that the virus is spreading and advised companies to limit economic loss by planning for the worst and investing in crisis training.

He urged caution adding: "Adopt a common-sense approach and review your current risk assessments.

"Identify and en-courage homeworking wherever possible, tele and video conferencing can be used to replace face-to-face meetings.

"Prepare for a depleted workforce by training employees in unfamiliar roles so that they can provide necessary cover."

Latest reports estimate that the virus could have a worse impact than a terrorism attack with up to half of staff falling ill. Yet, the majority of businesses are said to be ignoring warnings.

Bird Flu Business threats include:

- Staff shortage through employees taking time off ill, to care for others, or to avoid infection
- Difficulty in finding cover for absent staff
- Cost of stringent health and safety policies and procedures for preventing spread of the virus
- Public transport disruption making it difficult or impossible for staff to get to work
- Cost of home-working for those unable to attend work
- Disruption to supply chain
- Disruption to business travel, especially by air

According to research by business advice network, Croner, which has offices in the Thames Valley, employers are failing to recognise the financial blow that bird flu could have on their businesses.

They are accused of being slow to make contingency plans.

Richard Smith, employment services director, is mystified that many of his clients are underestimating or unconcerned about the potential impact of the virus.

"No one really knows whether the virus will become a pandemic, but after the recent UN warning that the virus is spreading, we're advising employers to be prepared for the worst.

"Businesses should evaluate all real and perceived risks to their organisation.

"While it may be more front of mind to prepare for other threats such as terrorism, a pandemic could cause even greater disruption."

Business Link is offering to help businesses in doubt. Call 01844 210430 or visit the website at www.hse.gov.uk