GIVE US THE JAB, SAY POLICE OFFICERS

FEDERATION BOSSES’ LEGAL THREAT AFTER BORIS REFUSES PRIORITY

POLICE federation bosses are threatening legal action over the government’s decision not to give vaccine priority to officers.

The Greater Manchester Police Federation says 11.8 per cent of the workforce has tested positive for Covid-19 during the pandemic, compared with 6 per cent of the general UK population.

The numbers demonstrate how officers are at more risk of getting coronavirus as a result of their job, the Fed argues.

The Government and its Joint Committee on Vaccine Immunisation (JCVI) confirmed last week there would be no occupational priority during the second phase of the vaccine rollout.

Vaccine groups continue to be called forward by age or those with health conditions.

Now the GMP Fed has put out an explosive statement making clear the level of anger felt by staff over the decision.

GMP Federation Health & Safety Lead Phil Thomasson says it is seeking legal advice over whether the Government is breaching its ‘duty of care’ to employees under

Health and Safety legislation.

He also claims that the Etihad mass vaccination centre in Manchester is ‘running at about 50 per cent’ and that there is ‘significant wastage’ of unused vaccines happening.

The M.E.N has contacted the government, mayor’s office and the NHS for comment over the Fed’s claims.

“I’ve spoken with a number of our members now about the farcical situation regarding Police Officers’ eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Phil.

“Especially during the initial roll out, it was considered a very sensitive subject and it would have been counter-productive for the Police Federation to ‘compete’ for vaccine prioritisation.

“National discussion and negotiation remained behind closed doors rather than being highlighted in mainstream media. The requests made were, and continue to be sensible, respectful and realistic. For clarity, Police Officers have no desire to jump the queue. “We understand that there are many people out there who would become very ill if they were to get infected however, it must also be noted that police officers cannot respond to incidents from the comfort of their own homes and as I have previously said, the nature of our role is incompatible with social-distancing.

“We also have to be mindful of events in the near future that are going to pose increased risks, especially the reopening of society including the night time economy, the reintroduction of crowds at major sporting events and the G7 summit in Cornwall in June.”

Mr Thomasson said 1,335 police officers and staff in GMP have tested positive for GMP, nearly double the rate of the UK population.

He added: “Would those ministers do our job without a vaccine? I think not!”

Police officers cannot respond to incidents from the comfort of their own homes GMP Health & Safety Phil Thomasson