Preparation is the key to handling any potential avian influenza outbreak in corporate Australia, and Aviva is at the forefront of global readiness, according to a forthcoming Mercer Survey.
Preparation is the key to handling any potential avian influenza outbreak in corporate Australia, and Aviva is at the forefront of global readiness, according to a forthcoming Mercer Survey*.
The Australian arm of the international wealth management group has already undertaken initial steps to ensure heightened security for staff and ongoing service to clients if bird flu reaches our shores.
Aviva’s business continuity manager, Ailish Horan said: “Aviva is being fully pro-active for the sake of our staff and our customers. We hope the threat never eventuates, but if a pandemic strikes, we intend to be online and of service to our customers.
“Based on the survey findings, Aviva appears to be more advanced in preparations for a pandemic than many major Australian corporations.”
According to Mercer, Australian businesses were ill-prepared for any potential avian flu outbreak, an event that could trigger meltdown in financial markets here and overseas.
The World Bank estimates the potential global impact of a human influenza pandemic at US$800billion.
Australia was the least-ready nation among the 38 surveyed by Mercer. Only 35% of Australian corporate respondents had formed a crisis management team specifically to address pandemic preparedness planning. Australia trailed the US (38%) and both fell well behind the UK (52%).
The survey noted that preparations were better-advanced in countries that had previously encountered the Sars virus – China, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Canada.
Preparedness was measured on four criteria:
- establishment of a pandemic budget
- implementation of a skills inventory
- formation of a crisis management team and
- development of an employee communication strategy.
“Aviva is well-advanced on all four elements,” said Ailish.
“We have undertaken staff briefings and educated first-aid and occupational health and safety officers.
“We have listed all staff with laptops and remote access and ensured that they are able to remotely connect to head office.
“Additionally, we have linkages, through our UK parent, to Aviva’s international flu pandemic committee and we have stockpiled gloves, masks, hand wash and protective eye wear, based on the advice from the Department of Health.
“We have a remote site to decentralise operations if necessary and staff have been fully instructed on possible quarantine requirements,” Ailish said
Plans also include contingencies for employees off work due to illness or caring for others during any pandemic.
The Mercer Avian Flu Pandemic Preparedness Survey was held during the first two weeks in March, 2006. The online survey involved 450 companies across 38 countries and 26 industries.
“The Mercer Survey is believed to be one of the most comprehensive and global surveys on the subject conducted to date,”’ said Ailish.
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* Mercer Avian Flu Pandemic Preparedness Survey, Spring 2006.
For further information please contact:
Simon Morgan
Group General Manager Public Affairs
Phone: (03) 9829 8892
Mobile: 0407 966 632
Notes to editors:
- Aviva Australia is a group of two specialist financial services companies: Navigator and Norwich Union Life Australia Ltd. Portfolio Partners is the Australian funds management arm of Aviva plc. Through these companies we provide products and services in the areas of wealth creation and wealth protection for more than 300,000 customers throughout Australia.
- Globally, Aviva Australia is part of Aviva plc, the world’s sixth largest insurance group, the largest insurer in the UK and one of the top five life companies in Europe. Aviva was formed in May 2000 through the global merger of CGU plc and Norwich Union plc.
- Aviva is a leading provider of life and pensions products to Europe and has substantial businesses elsewhere around the world. Its main activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance. It has premium income and investment sales from continuing operations of A$77.6 billion, and more than A$683.9 billion of assets under management (as at 9 January 2006). The group has around 59,000 employees and 30 million customers worldwide.
- The information in this document reflects Aviva Australia Holdings Limited understanding of existing legislation, proposed legislation, rulings etc as at the date of issue. In some cases the information has been provided to us by third parties. While it is believed the information is accurate and reliable, this is not guaranteed in any way. The information given in this document is of a general nature and has not taken into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person and it is not a substitute for professional advice. Applications to invest in a financial product issued by Aviva, or any of its related entities, must be made by completing the application form attached to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement ("PDS"). A PDS is available from Aviva or your financial adviser. Before making an investment decision on the basis of the information above, a prospective investor needs to consider, with or without the assistance of a professional adviser whether the information is appropriate in the light of their particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. Aviva does not receive any remuneration in relation to the provision of information available from this press release which is of a general nature only.