Up to a fifth of the workforce could be off ill at the height of coronavirus, ministers said yesterday.
They urged employers to prepare for mass absences with staff off for extended periods.
The worst-case scenario figures would mean more than six million people being off sick at any one time.
A ‘battle plan’ published by the Government said firms could be encouraged to allow staff to work from home if the virus takes hold – in order to limit the spread.
The plan warned workers to brace themselves for having to cover for sick colleagues over extended periods, adding: ‘Everyone will face increased pressures at work, as well as potentially their own personal illness or caring responsibilities.’
A man on the Jubilee line of the London Underground tube network wearing a protective face mask
A member of staff at accountancy firm Deloitte (London office picture) tested positive for the virus after returning from Asia. Staff will be allowed to work from home while deep cleaning happens
Coronavirus fears have gripped Britain, as a pedestrian is pictured wearing a protective facemask while taking a bus in Westminster, London
Worst-case scenario figures would mean more than six million people being off sick at any one time if the virus spreads. Pictured: a woman wears a mask on a London bus
A member of staff at accountancy firm Deloitte tested positive for the virus after returning from Asia.
The Big Four company’s London office on New Street Square, Holborn, is undergoing deep cleaning for fear of contamination and the patient is now in hospital.
It is understood that while part of the office space is temporarily closed, staff will be allowed to work from home if they wish.
Yesterday’s plan left open the possibility of shutting schools for up to three months.
But officials made clear they are wary of taking this step because of the potential impact on parents who may have to stay off work to care for their children, adding to staff absences.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock last night revealed that sick pay rules may be relaxed to help staff whose wages are cut off during the coronavirus outbreak.
An easing of the laws is ‘under review’ to ensure that people who self-isolate are not denied sick pay by their employer, he said.
He has come under pressure from opposition MPs who pointed out that workers who self-isolate should stay out of contact with others for 14 days – but are entitled to sick pay for only half that time before they must see a doctor.
The discrepancy is a significant flaw in the campaign to control the virus.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock last night revealed that sick pay rules may be relaxed to help staff whose wages are cut off during the coronavirus outbreak
The law says that those entitled to sick pay from their workplace can self-certificate for seven days, but after that they must produce confirmation from a doctor.
The issue may affect not only employees who have full rights, but also the five million workers in the gig economy or self-employment who lack this protection.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma told MPs yesterday that such workers could claim benefits – either Universal Credit or disability benefits – if they self-isolate or develop illness.
Downing Street said ministers would also consider whether Universal Credit sanctions, which can see claimants lose their benefits if they fail to attend appointments, should be suspended.
The Business Department is also said to be establishing a working group to help firms whose supply chains are disrupted.
Ben Willmott of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development urged firms to be generous with staff.
Face masks have become an increasingly common sight on the streets of London as concern about coronavirus rises
He added: ‘We think there may be a case for the Government to create some sort of compensation or hardship fund to help individuals such as the self-employed, temporary or low paid staff if they are not eligible for sick pay or paid leave.’
Office staff are already being told to work from home, postpone meetings and cancel their travel plans as businesses try to slow the spread of the virus. Many are following Public Health England guidance, which says not to close down workplaces.
BT, Glaxosmithkline, Astrazeneca, Unilever and Reckitt Benckiser are among those to have told employees to cancel their travel plans. The UK-based companies employ hundreds of thousands of staff between them globally.
Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan have taken similar measures, as well as accountants EY and KPMG. Citigroup has banned staff from attending events or meetings with more than 25 attendees.
Major retailers, including sandwich shop chain Greggs are emphasising handwashing procedures and one travel agent, Travel Republic, said it had closed its offices after a member of staff tested positive.
There were also reports that some companies had banned ‘hot desking’.