CITY VIEWS: ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF SWINE FLU ON THE ECONOMY?
MARK WOOLRIDGE HOME & LEGACY
“I think companies will be hit very hard, especially in service-related businesses. If 20 or 30 per cent of staff are off ill, then it will hit the firm’s ability to provide a good service. And if lots of train and tube drivers become ill, then it will really affect transport links in the City.”
ANDY LYNSKEY INSURANCE
“I think the effects of swine flu will hit the service element of businesses. When large numbers of staff are off, it does have a knock-on effect on business performance. I don’t think it will make things worse, we are already in the recession, but it will slow down any recovery.”
STEPHEN TEMPLE RSM BENTLEY JENNISON
“Yes, I do think that it will hit the economy. If lots of people are forced to take time off work, then it means that businesses will not be running at full potential, and GDP growth will be hit. I think that swine flu does have the potential to slow down economic recovery.”