More MIQ workers face job loss

Thirteen people working in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities may be fired for not receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.

Since Saturday, it has been mandatory for anyone working at the border to have had at least their first of two jabs, under the Covid-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order. It has already been revealed that nine Customs workers have lost their jobs as a result of their decision to not receive the vaccine.

New figures provided to RNZ by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) showed 97.4 per cent of the nearly 5000 people who work within MIQ have received the vaccine. Of the 127 workers who had not yet been vaccinated, 23 were booked in to receive a first dose.

That left more than 104 workers, 15 of whom were unable to be vaccinated for a health reason. Thirteen were undergoing a ‘‘process that may lead to termination’’.

The MBIE statistics showed:

■ 57 have been redeployed;

■ 14 are on extended leave;

■ three are undertaking alternative working arrangements (ie. working from home);

■ 15 have been stood down;

■ two have resigned; and

■ 13 are undergoing a process that could result in termination.

MBIE said ‘‘stood down’’ means they have not yet been assigned to other tasks at another site, while the employer and employee work through the options: redeployment, changing duties, taking leave, redundancy or termination. – RNZ