Business continuity briefs:
18th July 2006

'Business continuity briefs' provides a summary of new product and services press releases and other useful resources published in the last 24 hours.

Rail strike threatens to cause UK businesses problems
A series of strikes by members of the RMT union is expected to cause difficulties for some UK businesses, with staff finding it difficult to travel to and from work and to attend meetings. The first 24-hour stoppage will take place on Friday 21 July, starting at noon. The second stoppage for 48 hours will take place from noon on Thursday 27 July until noon Saturday 29 July. A strike timetable will be made available by Network Rail, and this will be accessible through National Rail Enquiries, by calling 08457 48 49 50 and by logging on to www.nationalrail.co.uk. Read Network Rail statement.

Crime costing New Zealand businesses £7 billion a year
A new report estimates that the total costs of crime in New Zealand in 2003/04 amounted to $9.1 billion. Of this, the private sector incurred $7 billion in costs and the public sector $2.1 billion. Offences against private property are the most common crimes but offences against the person are the most costly, accounting for 45 percent of the total estimated costs of crime. Read report

Roche releases new pandemic planning guide for US-based businesses
Roche has published a comprehensive guide to help facilitate pandemic influenza planning among US-based businesses. The new, 70-page on-line Toolkit (www.PandemicToolkit.com) provides information and practical advice in response to questions posed by business managers about the avian flu threat in general, and the role of antivirals, in particular. Roche manufactures the anti- influenza drug Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate).

Current environmental stories with business continuity implications:

Tsunami and earthquake in Indonesia
At 3:24pm local time, a 7.2 (some reports say 7.7) magnitude earthquake struck beneath the Indian Ocean, approximately 150 miles from the western coast of Java. The hardest hit area was Pangandaran, a beach resort, and the earthquake was felt as far away as the capital city, Jakarta, where buildings shook, but major damage was avoided. The earthquake triggered a tsunami, approximately 6 feet high, that destroyed buildings and some hotels in the area. According to reports, as many as 300 people were killed. In addition, thousands of people have been displaced. Source: www.redcross.org

Chinese storm kills more than 180

UK heat wave: level 3 warning issued

France's Chirac warns mankind faces climate volcano

Philippine Volcano shows increased activity, lava flows

At least 17 killed in Nepal landslide

US wildfire updates

US experienced record warm first half of year, widespread drought and Northeast record rainfall

US sees widespread record power use amid heat wave

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•Date: 18th July 2006• Region: Various