COVID-19: Care workers in England must get first jab by today
Thursday, 16th September 2021
Unison said the policy was partly to blame for the "severe staffing crisis", with many care agencies now unable to provide emergency cover.
Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: "Everyone that can have the vaccine should have the vaccine, but the government has persisted with a heavy-handed approach despite warnings from care employers of the dire consequences."
GMB national officer Rachel Harrison added: "Forcing vaccination of our key workers is not the way to address vaccine hesitancy.
"Care is already facing a staffing black hole of 170,000 by the end of the year.
"Even in a best-case scenario, we will lose tens of thousands of key workers if the jab is forced on them.
"How will care bosses deal with these huge staffing vacancies.
"How can they reassure people residents will receive safe care?"
David Kelly of workplace management app Deputy, commented: "Many workers who have demonstrated their commitment to caring throughout the pandemic feel demoralised and undervalued.
"A number have explained they are not 'anti vaxxers' but have personal reasons for not wanting the vaccine, ranging from religious and cultural reasons, to health concerns."
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