News updates
Four Seasons and NorseCare say COVID vaccination should be optional
Leading care home operators Four Seasons and NorseCare have told CHP that staff COVID vaccinations should remain optional.
The providers’ stance contrasts with leading providers Barchester Healthcare and Care UK who have introduced ‘no jab, no job’ policies.
A Four Seasons spokesperson said: “We fully support the government’s vaccination programme and strongly encourage all team members to take part, if they wish, and the vast majority have already done so. Our strong belief is that the COVID-19 vaccination should remain optional, in line with that for the winter flu. Read more
Government is looking at plans to make Covid vaccine mandatory for care home staff
The government has confirmed it is considering making it compulsory for care home staff to have the Covid vaccine.
A number of care providers including Barchester, Care UK and Advinia Healthcare have already taken the decision to make it mandatory although there are exemptions, such as if the employee is pregnant.
Health secretary, Matt Hancock, said legislation would need to be put in place to make it compulsory for all care workers.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Today programme, he said: “There is a duty of care that people have if you work in an elderly care home, after all, residents of elderly care homes are the most vulnerable of all to Covid. Read more