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Contingency plans are being drawn up over fears a quarter of public sector workers could be absent due to the Omicron wave of COVID infections.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told ministers to test preparations for a possible worst-case scenario as daily coronavirus numbers continue to hit record levels.
All government departments are also renewing their efforts to make sure that key workers get their COVID booster jabs to increase protection against the Omicron variant.
It follows fears that large numbers of Britons could be forced to isolate in the early weeks of 2022, causing chaos in public services, transport networks and putting further pressure on NHS staffing levels.
Some rail services in January have already been cancelled, or emergency timetables introduced, amid soaring staff sickness.
Across England as a whole, 24,632 NHS staff at hospital trusts were absent due to COVID reasons on Boxing Day, up 31% from 18,829 a week earlier and nearly double the number at the start of December (12,508).
The total includes staff who were ill with coronavirus or who were having to self-isolate.
Steve Barclay, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is chairing regular meetings with fellow ministers to closely monitor the impact of Omicron on workforces and supply chains, as well on schools ahead of the return of pupils to the classroom after the Christmas holidays.
The Cabinet Office said that public sector leaders have been asked to test plans against worst-case scenarios of workforce absences of 10%, 20% and 25%.
Mr Barclay said: “As people return to work following the Christmas break, the high transmissibility levels of Omicron mean business and public services will face disruption in the coming weeks, particularly from…
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Source : skynews
