Schools are poised for an “inevitable” outbreak of swine flu following Braintree’s first two suspected cases.

The two people believed to have swine flu are both employees at Braintree Council.

One is a woman who works at the council's headquarters in Causeway House, Bocking End, who became unwell at the end of last week.

The second is an individual who works at Millennium Tower in Lakes Road, which is the waste and recycling teams are based.

Schools in Braintree have been preparing for an outbreak.

Steven Clark, headteacher of the Tabor Science College, Panfield Lane, said: “We do have a full action plan in place.

“We’re waiting for the inevitable first case.

“As and when we do get an outbreak, we will follow the guidelines.

“If we have an individual or small number of cases, we won’t be closing.

“We have posters up everywhere, health and safety notices up on our computer displays and sanitizers in each classroom.

“I have written to parents and told them exactly what we’re doing.”

Becky Frances, deputy head at the Edith Borthwick School, Church Street, said: “We’re using anti-bacterial wipes and sprays everywhere.”