Care home introduces ‘no jab, no job’ policy for new employees

Care UK own 120 care homes across Britain

One of the UK's largest care providers has introduced a 'no jab, no job' policy for all prospective employees. Care UK operates 120 care homes across Britain. In a statement, the company said all new employees would need to be vaccinated. The statement read: "Everyone applying for a role which requires them to go into a home will be expected to have been vaccinated before they start work." As the rule applies to all who work inside a care home, it could leave catering and maintenance staff in need of a jab - in addition to care workers. The move comes after lawyers told the Financial Times that care homes could introduce such measures to ensure staff are vaccinated before interacting with residents. However, there has been criticism from some corners, with opponents of the policy deeming it discriminatory against those who cannot - or won't - have the coronavirus vaccine. Speaking to the BBC on Tuesday, vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "It's up to businesses what they do, but we don't yet have the evidence of the effect of vaccines on transmission." Prime Minister Boris Johnson was previously asked whether a 'vaccine passport' could become a reality. This would permit entry to public venues for those who have had a Covid jab. He told a press conference "What we are thinking of at the moment is more of a route that relies on mass vaccination. We intend to vaccinate all of the adults in the country by the autumn, plus lateral flow testing." Lateral flow testing could be utilised in settings where quick entry is depended upon, such as nightclubs, bars, concert halls and theatres. Johnson said these settings are "the toughest nuts to crack", as the hospitality industry remains reeling from the devastating impact of Covid-19. Johnson added: "You are already seeing lots of business using the potential of rapid, on-the-day testing as well. I think that, in combination with vaccination, will probably be the route forward."