A post-Christmas return to work has been challenging for employers this year with COVID restrictions, self-isolation and difficulties with recruitment. Thrings’ Employment team has set out answers to some of the most pressing issues faced by employers at this time.
Question: given the prevalence of the Omicron variant, are we able to mandate that all our staff take the COVID-19 vaccine so we can maintain our operations?
Answer: From 11 November 2021, the Government has made the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for those working in Care Quality Commission registered care homes in England unless they are exempt under the regulations.
The Government also intends to make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for frontline health and social care workers in England, which would include frontline NHS staff, with effect from 1 April 2022. The UK Government has not made the decision to make the vaccine mandatory for other workers outside the health care sector.
Generally speaking, mandating the vaccine for employees could expose employers to various claims, including claims for discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
For further information, please contact Head of Employment at Thrings, Kerrie Hunt: khunt@thrings.com