COMPANIES in Singapore are stepping up efforts to avert any disruption to their operations in the event that Influenza A (H1N1) gets a foothold here.

Many employers have placed restrictions on overseas travel and are giving employees the go-ahead only for trips deemed absolutely necessary.

DBS Bank, for example, has asked employees to postpone travel to affected areas and to hold talks with colleagues abroad via phone or video link-up.

A number of firms are also looking at splitting up their staff by sending them to different work sites.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has already done this. A spokesman said: 'As part of MAS' SOP and as precautionary measures, mission critical operations have back-up plans, and operate as split teams.' It did not give further details.

Mr Ho Wah Lee, executive director of KPMG's business continuity advisory services, said: 'Many smaller companies are splitting operations across alternate sites such as office locations, whilst larger IT and financial services organisations are splitting their operations between cities and often between countries as part of their contingency planning.

'The biggest trend that we are seeing is the so- called 'work from home' continuity alternative.'

Most companies are conducting business as usual, but say they will implement split-site operations should the flu outbreak worsen.

United Overseas Bank said the company has separated some functions since Sars in 2003. 'For example, the bank implemented dual sites for essential functions such as call centre and settlements.'

Most companies subject staff returning from business trips to affected areas to a home quarantine of at least seven days. However, they differ in the way they deal with home quarantine. SingTel requires employees to work from home during the quarantine period.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.