Small business insurance holders need government support to deal with swine flu pandemic, it has been suggested.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) called on health secretary Andy Burnham to meet its proposals to ease the impact of the illness on the sector.
According to the group, a system should be established to reimburse some small business insurance customers for the losses they incur in paying out statutory sick pay.
In addition, the burdens on small business insurance holders should be eased during the pandemic by a pledge to pause any unnecessary routine inspections.
John Wright, national chairman of the FSB, commented: "Although it is still difficult to estimate the full effect of the spread of the pandemic, we know that small firms … will be very badly hit."
Recently, the Forum of Private Business called on firms to develop plans to cope with a UK-wide outbreak of swine flu, recommending they attempt to minimise their workers' exposure to those who are infected.
