The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has issued guidance to employers affected by the floods.
The advice covers issues such as insurance, equipment and rent and the FPB said many businesses were worried about health and safety employment issues relating to staff.
Matt Hardman, FPB campaigns manager, said: "Employers want to know if water coming into the premises, or the loss of the main water supply, means that there is a health and safety risk to their employees.
"The advice our experts are giving them is that there is unlikely to be a risk, unless there are circumstances in which the water intruding is contaminated, or if they are unable to get supplies of drinking water.
"However, if there are any concerns over health and safety, the employer should contact the local authority's environment department for advice."
FPB said a number of firms are having to lay workers off because of flood damage.
"Employers should check their workers' contracts, their employment handbook or take legal advice before taking such action," advised Mr Hardman.
The FPB offers the following advice:
- Register any claims as soon as possible with your insurance company, even though they have not been costed.
- Check whether you can go ahead and repair or replace equipment in order to get the business running again.
- Make an inventory and take photographs of the damage.
- Find out if you will be eligible for rate relief by contacting your local authority.
- Contact your landlord (if you rent your business premises) about repairs and ask for a reduction in rent while things are being put right.
- Contact your local authority for advice on disposing of any equipment or furniture that may have been contaminated.
- Talk to your local regional development agency; some are offering help to businesses affected by the floods.