Nursing home staff could lose their jobs if they don’t take the Covid-19 vaccine UK News

Nursing home workers would be told that coronavirus vaccines are mandatory if they wish to continue working.

Ministers are reportedly preparing to announce the measures after the government held a consultation on the controversial proposal to protect society’s most vulnerable.

Department of Health and Welfare (DHSC) officials did not deny a Guardian report indicating that ministers would approve the measure for social workers in England.

According to plans, staff working with adults will have 16 weeks to get vaccinated or risk losing their jobs, according to the newspaper.

A DHSC spokesperson said: “Vaccines are our way out of this pandemic and have already saved thousands of lives – with millions of health and care workers vaccinated.

“Our priority is to make sure people in care homes are protected and we have launched the consultation on whether and how the government could push forward a new requirement for adult care home providers dealing with seniors, to deploy only personnel who have had a Covid-19 vaccination or have an appropriate exemption. ”

She added that the ministry’s response to the consultation will be released “in due course”.

The proposed move has raised concerns among care groups and unions.

UK Covid-19 vaccine doses. (PENNSYLVANIA)

UK human rights watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, however concluded that it was “reasonable” to legally require nursing home staff to be vaccinated. .

But he advised including safeguards to minimize the risk of discrimination by including exemptions, including for staff who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Discussions are underway on whether to extend the measure to NHS staff.