Since the news broke on the 16 June 2021, of vaccines being a mandatory requirements for care home workers as of October 2021, 60,000 have signed a petition urging the government to reconsider their decision – but what does this mean for your organisation/sector?
Ex-Health Secretary Matt Hancock, confirmed Coronavirus Vaccinations are to be made compulsory for all staff in care homes in England. A decision for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is yet to be made. Currently this new legislation will only impact Care Homes (Health and Social Care Sector). Employees will have 16 weeks, from the date the legislation is approved by parliament, to obtain both vaccinations – failure to do so will result in re-deployment away from “front-line” care positions or redundancy.
Care organisations within the Health and Social Care Sector have raised concerns that compulsory vaccinations may cause further strain on an already stretched sector. Issues surrounding recruitment and selection have also been raised in relation to difficulties getting people in to care homes and retaining them.
What about volunteers and contractors?
Volunteers and Contractors will also be required to have both vaccines before undertaking any form of work onsite, including (but not limited to) healthcare workers, tradespeople, hairdressers and beauticians.
What about medical exemptions?
If employees can provide evidence from their GP or Consultant that they are medically exempt from getting the vaccine. Their positions will not be affected.
Are there risks for unfair dismissal claims ?
There were concerns over dismissing staff for not having the vaccine as this may be considered unfair. Additionally there were concerns over the “protected belief” of anti-vaxers under the Equality act 2010 which raises the prospect of an uncapped tribunal award. However the mandatory vaccination is likely to remove this risk as it will become law – although this will depend on the exact terms of the legislation.
At present it is not likely that this requirement will be imposed on other sectors, however we will keep you informed of any changes as they happen.
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