The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Mpox a global health emergency last week (14 August) after 17,000 cases emerged in Africa following the emergence of a new variant earlier this year.
“The spread of Mpox has caused understandable concern among public-sector workers, especially those in the NHS,” said Joe Donnelly, Unison's national officer for health and safety, speaking to HR magazine.
“It’s important that lessons from previous outbreaks are applied, to ensure that employees are protected and the virus is contained, if and when it reaches the UK.”
Unison has produced a guide for branches to discuss how employers can support staff who might contract Mpox.
HR can help squash concerns among employees about Mpox, commented Steven Pink, CEO of health and wellbeing provider Verve Healthcare.
He told HR magazine: "It’s natural for employees to worry about emerging health risks such as that presented by Mpox and its new variants. There are measures that HR managers can take to help."
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According to a 2023 study, 3%-5% of people have pathological health anxiety, a distressing fear or preoccupation with becoming sick. After the Covid-19 pandemic, 15% of people in the UK reported having clinical levels of health anxiety.
Pink noted that HR professionals could mitigate concerns by listening to employees and educating them about the risks of Mpox.
“Make sure that employees know Mpox symptoms," he said. “Concerns may be alleviated by assessing whether they have symptoms. If they believe they do, then enable a rapid access to a GP, who can arrange for medical tests and care.
"Knowing the risk factors associated with being infected with Mpox may alleviate anxiety. Knowing how it is transmitted may also reduce fear and maintain perspective.
“Listen to employees’ concerns; this builds psychological safety and reassurance. As appropriate, enable your employee to see a therapist to help them manage fears.
“More broadly, HR managers can educate staff about how Mpox is passed on. Examine company practices to reduce risk factors in the workplace. And if your employees are travelling, keep updated on emerging government advice.”
The NHS has a list of Mpox symptoms, as well as information on how it is transmitted, on its website.
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Cases of Mpox have not yet been detected in the UK. At least one case has been recorded in Europe and another in Asia.
Sky News reported (19 August) that it was likely someone in the UK already has Mpox, according to infectious diseases expert, Paul Hunter.
Employers should conduct risk assessments to assess whether staff are likely to contract Mpox, Donnelly added.
He said: “Employers must assess which staff might be at risk of contracting the virus, giving special attention to those who are pregnant, immunocompromised or live with someone vulnerable to infection.
“Measures such as providing full sick pay for all, circulating clear information to clear up misconceptions about communities most at risk, supplying suitable protective equipment, or allowing those who can to work from home will all address health concerns and anxiety among staff.”
