Employees should be encouraged to have vaccine, but should not be rushed back to work, says CIPD

While in no way should staff be forced to have the Covid-19 vaccine, employers should look to encourage them to have it, advises the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The CIPD has launched practical guidance for employers to help them to understand their responsibilities towards their staff.

The guidance covers the following:

• Encouraging vaccination and how to communicate this.
• Adopting a vaccination policy.
• Planning for employees who can’t have the vaccine and employees who may be hesitant or refuse.
• Asking employees (and potential employees) if they have had the vaccine.

CIPD Chief Executive Peter Cheese commented, “The widescale vaccine rollout really is uncharted territory for employers. Many are confused as to what their role in it is, to protect their workforce, business and customers.

“The UK Government hasn’t made the vaccine compulsory so neither can employers. Nor should they be restricting people coming to work based on whether they have had the vaccine. Instead, employers – in line with official public health guidance – should consider promoting the importance of staff getting the vaccine and highlight official advice to show its safety and effectiveness.”

“Firms can also make it easy for people to get the vaccine by being flexible about working hours or offering paid time off.

“It’s also important to recognise that some people either can’t, or may choose not to, have the vaccine. They shouldn’t be stigmatised or disadvantaged as there may be a range of reasons why they might not want to receive it such as, a medical condition or religious belief.”

The CIPD also warns that employers must not rush to get employees back to the workplace.

Peter explained, “It will be many months before most working age people will have received the vaccine. Where employees can continue to work from home, they should. This will help to protect staff and bring the virus under control. If people must be in the workplace, employers must continue to take all reasonable and required steps to protect their employees, regardless of how many have had the vaccine. We’re not out of the woods yet.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.