INCREASING fears over the swine flu outbreak are leading to a rise in demand for high-speed internet access to allow people to work from home.

Keele internet services provider Internet Central says businesses have been getting in touch for new or extra broadband services as they prepare for the possibility of employees having to stay away.

Experts have warned the outbreak could cost businesses millions and dash hopes of an economic recovery next year.

Internet Central operations director Dave Thorpe said the firm saw a 47 per cent increase in new orders last month.

He believes the increase in broadband inquiries is a positive sign that some North Staffordshire firms are putting contingency plans in place.

He said: "Doctors have warned that rates of infection are reaching epidemic levels in the West Midlands and it was reported that several million people could become ill with either seasonal flu or swine flu by the end of the year.

"Schools could close and transport and other vital services, such as GP surgeries, could be put under severe strain.

"Businesses need to think about how this would impact on their day-to-day running.

"In the last week alone demand for our broadband and support services has increased significantly as local companies are now putting plans in place to cope with the effects of swine flu on their business."

Mr Thorpe warned that companies failing to put emergency plans in place could face serious consequences.

He said: "It is vital that businesses have response plans so they can continue to operate effectively. Most firms can minimise the effect if they have the correct and sufficient technology in place.

"Businesses should start to act now and ask themselves if they are affected how will they cope and what plans do they have for more people working from home. If the answer is the business won't cope then they need to act sooner rather than later."

Staff at Tunstall-based Parker Software said they are preparing for the possibility of having to work from home.

Business development manager Ian Rowley said: "We've had an increase in the number of people wanting our Live Chat facility for their website so that they have additional options to talk to customers rather than just face-to-face or on the phone.

"We have also tested our systems for working from home and are ready to do this if necessary."

More than 30 people in the UK have died after being diagnosed with swine flu, although most already had unrelated serious health conditions.

Last week the number of new cases reached an estimated 100,000.

There are fears that a pandemic could lead to 50 per cent absence rates in the workplace, costing the economy an estimated £50 billion.

A report from Enrst & Young's influential Item Club has warned that if the swine flu outbreak reaches the worst case scenario, it could knock another three per cent off UK output this year, leaving the economy facing its worst decline since 1921.

A severe outbreak could hit output next year by another 1.7 per cent.

Has the pandemic affected your business? Email us at businessdesk@thesentinel.co.uk