The UK government has predicted that the number of absentee workers can go as high as 50 percent of the total industrial workforce due to swine flu. However, small companies do not seem to have a good back-up system in case a majority of their employees fall prey to the dreaded flu. According to a study by the National Archives and Records Administration, lack of such back-up systems can result in 80 percent companies to fail within two years of such a disaster.

To protect business operations from the ill effects of swine flu, Eclipse Internet has come up with new broadband deals. The ISP has created a website on which small companies can evaluate their preparedness for swine flu by answering five questions. Subsequently, the site provides suitable suggestions, which can help small businesses in case of a labour crunch.

Mark Thomas, a business specialist at Eclipse, warned the companies against overlooking the need for urgent back-up plans. He said the swine flu attack proved that a majority of small companies were ill equipped to deal with such unforeseen catastrophes.

Speaking about the company’s new broadband solutions, an Eclipse Internet spokesperson said the provider is explaining the small companies that they can have a back-up system that is neither too costly nor too complicated to use. The representative added that the new strategy would help in increasing communication between employees, suppliers and customers and create good work practices.