Unjabbed staff sick pay blow

MORE bosses are likely to cut sick pay for unjabbed staff, a senior employment solicitor warns.

Morrisons became the latest firm to announce unvaccinated workers who have to self-isolate could see their wages reduced.

It came days after Next, Ocado and Ikea announced similar moves to cope with rising staff absences.

Unjabbed workers required to isolate will receive £96.35 a week, the Statutory Sick Pay minimum.

Samantha Owen, of Harper James Solicitors, believes it is “likely” more firms will adopt the measure. She warned: “Imposing a new rule, especially one which is disadvantageous to employees, is a prime area for dispute with staff.

“It is likely employers may very well face complaints from aggrieved employees who perceive this to be unfair.”

Meanwhile, thousands of people turned out in Birmingham and Manchester yesterday to protest against compulsory Covid jabs.

It is part of a national campaign calling on healthcare workers to be given “freedom of choice”.

NHS staff who do not get their first vaccine by February 3 are expected to lose their jobs.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has described the policy as “heavy-handed”.