Our HR team continue to consider the implications of the vaccine and discuss what steps can be taken to encourage employee uptake.
Due to the risks we discussed in our previous article – Can I make employees get the COVID-19 vaccination? – it is advisable for employers to consider carefully the real impact staff being fully vaccinated will have for their business before making and proceeding with any such decision.
We would recommend that employers ensure they have considered all the alternatives before considering a divisive policy to enforce immunisation on staff. Part of this will mean working with staff to encourage voluntary uptake of the vaccination and to help ensure the percentage of vaccinated employees in your organisation is as high as possible.
In order to encourage staff uptake and maximise on the offer of being vaccinated, you can:
It is unlikely that full workforce immunisation is going to be a substitution for tried and tested control measures. Employers will need to work with staff to ensure appropriate measures are in place to reduce the risk as much as possible; by taking steps to maintain a safe workplace and establishing a safe system of work in order to achieve a COVID-Secure workplace.
Taking the stance that employees must be vaccinated before returning to work is risky. However, it is good practice to position yourself in a way which does not deter staff from being vaccinated and highlights that you are putting staff welfare at the forefront of your activities.
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