Businesses in Keighley are being asked to help efforts to protect their workers from swine flu.

They can encourage staff in “at risk” groups to take up the offer of a swine flu jab. They can also give such workers time off to attend daytime innoculation clinics.

Health chiefs say this will help protect all staff and keep businesses running smoothly over the winter.

NHS Bradford and Airedale has teamed up with Bradford Chamber of Commerce to promote the swine flu jab for “at risk” groups.

Vulnerable people include pregnant women, people with health conditions such as asthma, chronic heart disease and diabetes, and people whose immune systems are not working properly.

GPs are now contacting all such patients inviting them to get their seasonal and swine flu jabs. Some of these clinics will be held during the daytime and employers are being urged to be flexible and allow their staff time off to attend them.

Dr Peter Dickson, medical director of NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “Winter could be a challenging time and it is anticipated that staff absence could be a significant issue for many organisations. Getting ‘at risk’ employees vaccinated will not only help everyone stay healthy, but also help keep teams at work and ahead of the game.”

Businesses are also being advised of the best ways to reduce the risk of employees getting swine flu and help treat those with swine flu symptoms.

This includes promoting hand washing and encouraging staff to carry tissues and cover their mouth when sneezing. Cleaning staff should frequently clean hard surfaces, such as door handles, using normal cleaning products .