Navy says jab-dodging sailors face the sack
SAILORS who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid have been threatened with dismissal.
In a significant hardening of Royal Navy policy, personnel who continue to decline the jab have been told it could cost them their careers.
Previously, unvaccinated Royal Navy personnel have been confined to shore duties, with only fully jabbed sailors going to sea. Those without jabs were not subject to any disciplinary action or threats.
According to official figures, 10 per cent of troops across the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force are still not fully vaccinated. In recent days, sailors have received letters indicating they ‘may be subject to discharge’ from the Royal Navy unless they agree to receive the jab.
The change came as ministers announced the Royal Navy is to assume overall responsibility for tackling the migrant crisis in the English Channel. A senior naval commander will co-ordinate operations and, given the scale of the migrant problem, the service must maximise the numbers of sailors available for the task.
Last night, former Royal Navy chiefs Admiral Lord West and Rear Admiral Chris Parry expressed support for the clampdown on sailors who refuse the jab.
The letter to reluctant sailors read: ‘Records show that you have not yet received a complete course of vaccination against Covid-19.
‘As an employer the Royal Navy has a responsibility to take such action as is necessary to ensure that it maximises operational effectiveness and meets its health and safety obligations. Full vaccination is key to delivering operational effectiveness, maintains the good health of the whole force and serves to reassure them, their shipmates and their families.
‘If you are choosing not to be vaccinated you are to discuss vaccination with unit medical personnel and your chain of command. Information concerning the options for vaccination against Covid-19 is available [from the NHS].
‘If after consideration you decided not to accept the offer of Covid-19 vaccination the Royal Navy reserves the right to review your employability and you may be subject to administrative discharge from the service.’ It remains to be seen whether the Army and the RAF also resort to more draconian measures.
A senior sailor who is against the vaccine expressed alarm last night at the strongarm tactics. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the chief petty officer said: ‘I am close to retirement and this policy threatens my military pension which I have paid into for decades.
‘My service record is unblemished and I have every other vaccine I am required to take by the Royal Navy.
‘But I am worried about this vaccine hence I have not received it. It could make me seriously ill.
‘I would like more time to consider whether it is safe to take it. But having received this letter it seems I no longer have a choice. There are many other sailors taking the same stance as me. We all feel very strongly.’
Last night, a spokesman for the Royal Navy said: ‘Service personnel are encouraged to take up the Covid vaccine in line with Government guidelines.
‘The vast majority of personnel have already been vaccinated, with 95 per cent of the Armed Forces having received at least one Covid vaccination and nearly 90 per cent being fully vaccinated.’
‘This policy threatens my military pension’