Mandatory vaccination a ‘complex issue’

Commenting on reports that COVID-19 vaccinations will become mandatory for care home staff in England and that NHS staff could also be compelled to have the jab, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers and deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said:

“This is a complex issue and health employers are committed to supporting their staff to feel confident to get vaccinated and help protect themselves as well as their patients and colleagues. These efforts are paying off, with the majority of NHS staff now fully vaccinated.
 
“Any announcement to make the vaccination mandatory for social care workers will also have an impact on NHS staff, especially those who provide healthcare in social care settings. Our members will continue to place an emphasis on education and communication with their staff, something that remains crucially important even where the government insists on mandatory vaccination. We will also work closely with our trade union colleagues to address the concerns of their members and to ensure that the implementation of any decision is handled sensitively going forward.”