CUMBRIA’S top business organisation has issued advice on how companies can best prepare themselves for a Swine Flu pandemic.

The Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has issued guidance should cases of the virus affect staff in the county.

The chamber recommends updating business continuity plans, and drafting a specific pandemic version which should be easily accessible.

Staff should also be trained and able to cover for absent colleages and all roles should have written procedures ready for others to jump in and fullfill the job.

Guidance about regular hygiene should also be distributed to staff, such as cleaning office equipment, cleaning hands regularly and staying away from work if they have flu like symptoms, says the advice.