Oxfordshire emergency planners are asking employers to help with a government survey as part of routine pandemic flu planning.

The short survey is to assess the effect potential school closures could have on absence at work in the event of pandemic flu.

The online survey is at or http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/ )

John Kelly, the Emergency Planning Officer for Oxfordshire County Council said: “The results of this survey are important to contingency planning for pandemic flu.

“School closures could result in absences at work as parents would have to take time off to look after their children and this could in turn impact on other services.

“We are asking employers to respond to the survey so that the right decisions can be made if a flu pandemic ever does come.”