Two members of staff at Bath publishing firm Future have been asked to stay at home after showing symptoms consistent with swine flu.

A male employee called in sick on Monday (July 6) with symptoms consistent with the virus and was prescribed Tamiflu as a precaution.

He has stayed at home this week.

A second member of staff was discovered to have symptoms also consistent with swine flu and was asked by Future to go home on Thursday afternoon (July 9).

A spokeswoman for Future said: "No members of staff have actually been confirmed as having the virus.

"Future is following all of the advice provided by the Government with regards to managing this situation.

"We have provided staff with information via posters, our intranet site and email about how to help protect themselves and others.

"We have stated clearly what they should do if they recognise any symptoms and that is, immediately report your symptoms and if your doctor advises you to do so, stay at home."

Future, which employs more than 800 people in Bath, has also set up a team to monitor the situation and the advice provided by the Government and health authorities.

The firm sent a message to all staff on its intranet on Tuesday (July 7) which outlined advice for anyone feeling ill or showing symptoms of the virus which include most significantly fever, coughing or shortness of breath.

It is asking employees to report symptoms to their manager and HR department immediately and, if staff show symptoms consistent with swine flu they should stay at home if asked by a doctor to do so.