Hundreds of Suffolk care home workers miss deadline for Covid jabs
It's mandatory for care home workers to have been double-jabbed by today.
Today marks the UK government's deadline for all older adult care home staff to get themselves double jabbed or face the sack.
Data has revealed that one in ten adults across England have not received two doses of the vaccine that protect against Covid-19.
Figures compiled by the NHS's Capacity Tracker show, that in the week up until the end of 31st October, 553 in Suffolk had either not been inoculated or only had one jab administered.
An exemption is in place, however, for those who are unable to have the vaccines due to medical reasons.
Anyone entering a care home will also need to be fully vaccinated from tomorrow.
Whilst booster doses are not currently required as part of the new regulation, the government has advised those who are eligible to get one as soon as possible.
Government guidance states: “If you are unable to provide proof of vaccination or exemption, then your manager should explore all options available to you.
"This could include moving you to an alternative role for which vaccination is not required. You should speak to your manager about your options as soon as you can.
"You should not assume that it will be possible for you to be redeployed. You should note that the regulations may provide a fair reason for dismissal if you are not vaccinated or medically exempt.”
The care sector is going through a staffing crisis and public service union, UNISON, says the move risks a collapse in the care sector.
Staff let go over their vaccination status would not be eligible for redundancy pay-outs and paid or unpaid leave can be offered to workers if they show that they intend to get fully jabbed but missed the deadline.
It comes as the government announced that from April 2022, all NHS staff in England will also be required to be double jabbed or risk losing their jobs.