As of 31 August 2024 we are no longer on the DX exchange service.
HomeAbout UsBusinessPersonalNews & ArticlesContactReceived a debt collection letter?Download our 'Income and Expenditure' form here

‘No jab, no job’ rule extended to the NHS

Posted
December 13, 2021
Corporate and Commercial

Back in August, we reported on the proposed introduction of a ‘no jab, no job’ policy in English care homes. Now, we are anticipating the extension of this policy to the NHS. So what are we to make of this development?

The story so far

Considerable controversy has surrounded the manner in which the government has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic when it comes to those who live (and indeed work) in the nation’s care homes. Nevertheless, presumably with the best of intentions, during the summer the government announced its plans to require all those who work in English care homes to be fully vaccinated by no later than 11 November 2021. In effect, the only exception relates to those who are unable to receive the jab for medical reasons.

The policy has proved controversial. Some have argued that it is a breach of human rights or an infringement of their civil liberties. Others have asserted that it might indirectly discriminate against members of certain religious or ethnic groups, as well as pregnant women. All these groups may, for one reason or another, be less inclined to get jabbed than the average person. As a consequence, they and others who are not fully vaccinated can no longer work in care home settings.

Considerable media attention has been focused on this issue, including stories of large numbers of care sector workers who have refused to get vaccinated and, therefore, have had to leave their jobs. In an industry that already struggles to attract and retain enough staff, serious concerns have arisen regarding the capacity of care homes to continue to function effectively.

Against this backdrop, the government's decision to roll out to the ‘no jab, no job’ policy to all frontline NHS workers has raised eyebrows. Government estimates suggest that there may be more than 100,000 healthcare workers who have yet to be fully vaccinated. No doubt the hope is that by imposing a vaccination requirement with effect from 1 April 2022, many of these people will be persuaded to take the plunge. But what if a significant proportion still refuse?  Where would this leave us? Could the NHS cope?

Much remains uncertain, but it's going to be important to keep a watchful eye on any changes in vaccination rates within the NHS over the coming months, to evaluate how acute the impact could be.

Need our help?

Have you been affected by a ‘no jab, no job’ policy? Are you thinking of introducing one within your business? If you need our help, please get in touch.

About 

Share this article

Have you read our other blogs?

Setting up an EMI Share Option Scheme

Posted
Business Law
Read More

Is a legal ‘right to switch off’ on its way?

Posted
September 3, 2024
Employment Law
Read More
View all Articles

Stay up to date with stevensdrake

Simply fill out your details below to receive stevensdrake's monthly newsletter, including regular topical articles, tips and upcoming events.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.