Jab rule could hit care worker levels

A number of care home workers in Bath and North East Somerset will be unable to work from November the 11th after they missed the deadline to receive a first coronavirus jab in September.

In order for those needing two jabs before the November deadline, you must have received your first dose on or before September 16 unless exempt.

However, six per cent of people, which equates to 107 individuals, have missed this deadline.

There are now worries that this could lead to a shortage of care home workers in Bath and North East Somerset this winter.

13.1 percent of staff working in young adult care homes also missed the deadline, however this number was a much smaller 23 people.

Unison, the UK’S largest trade union, has now warned of dangerous shortages unless the mandatory vaccine rule was dropped.

Unison general secretary Christina Mcanea said: “Everyone that can have the vaccine, should have the vaccine. But the government has persisted with a heavy-handed approach despite warnings from care employers of the dire consequences.

“This move is damaging a sector already on its knees and undermining trust in the vaccine. If roles can’t be filled, the level and volume of care offered will be reduced. Vaccine-hesitant staff must be offered reassurance and persuasion, not threats and ultimatums.

National data suggests that at least 33,780 older adult care home workers and 8,849 young adult care home workers missed the deadline. However, estimates for numbers of people that could potentially leave the sector due to the vaccination rules could be higher due to how many people could be affected by the regulations.

The policy will be down to managers and owners to ensure that anybody entering the care home is fully vaccinated, unless exempt.

Unvaccinated staff who aren’t exempt could be redeployed to other roles, or could ultimately lose their jobs.

The government said despite the best efforts of social distancing, PPE and staff, care homes across the country have seen significant outbreaks. It added: “There is one thing now which is making a crucial difference, and which is saving the lives of care home residents and staff: vaccination.

“Although we have seen strong take-up of vaccination amongst care home residents, there are some who cannot be vaccinated and some for whom vaccination is less effective.

“Vaccination against Covid is the best way that workers can keep themselves and those they care for safe from the effects of the virus. Sustaining high levels of staff vaccination now, and in the future”.

The Government is debating whether to expand this rule into other health and social care sectors.