Sick pay changes for those who are yet to get jabbed

Sick pay for those who are unvaccinated is changing at Wessex Water

Author: Andrew KayPublished 11th Jan 2022
Last updated 11th Jan 2022

After Covid-related absences doubled in the past week at Wessex Water, bosses are changing the sick pay for those who are unvaccinated.

Instead of getting full pay, those who haven't had the jab will only get statutory sick pay for the time they're required to self-isolate.

The firm says the majority of workers have been jabbed and they support time off to get an injection - and it follows a similar policy from Ikea.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “The vast majority of our workforce has been vaccinated and it’s important as a company providing essential services with key worker employees, the remainder get vaccinated to protect themselves, customers and their colleagues.

"To make it easy for our staff, vaccine appointments can be booked in work time.

“Absences due to Covid have doubled in the last week, so we need everyone to be available so we can continue to provide uninterrupted essential water and sewerage services.”

Wessex Water said that throughout the pandemic it had not furloughed staff and anyone who had to self-isolate received full pay.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.