British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has instructed ministers to draw up "stable contingency plans" for labor shortages due to a record number of daily coronavirus infections that could have a serious impact on business in the coming weeks, according to The Guardian.
The Cabinet Office confirmed that despite the accelerated stimulus program, public sector leaders have been asked to prepare for the worst-case scenario in which up to a quarter of workers will not be able to go to work due to high levels of Covid-19 among population.
The office claims that so far the disturbances caused by the Omicron strain have been controlled in "most of the public sector", but acknowledges that public sector leaders have been asked to develop "worst case scenarios" at 10%. , 20% and 25% absenteeism, the Press Association reported.
Cabinet Minister Steve Barkley is chairing "regular meetings" with ministers to assess how the workforce, supply chains and schools will be affected by the spread of Omicron across the country.
His office acknowledged that business and public services could face further disruptions in the coming weeks, and that Johnson has instructed ministers to test contingency plans and explore solutions that can help the sectors concerned in adverse scenarios caused by from a temporarily significantly reduced workforce.
Barkley said: "As people return to work after the Christmas holidays, high levels of Omicron broadcasting mean that business and public services will face disruptions in the coming weeks, especially due to more than normal staffing."
More than 110,000 employees of the National Health Service (NHS) - almost one in 10 - were absent on New Year's Eve, according to data showing that Covid-19 hits health care much harder than previously thought, writes the British newspaper The Times.
Of these, nearly 50,000 were at home, sick or self-isolated due to Covid-19, while patients faced 40 hours of waiting in hospitals, delayed operations, closed wards and long waits for ambulances.
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