Companies given go-ahead to issue ‘no jab, no job’ contracts

The vaccines minister said it's "up to businesses" whether they adopt the policy

Businesses in the UK could implement 'no jab, no job' clauses into employment contracts, it has been revealed. A Covid-19 'vaccine passport' has long been mooted as a potential route to reopen clubs, pubs, shops and sporting events in the future. Proof you've had the coronavirus vaccine may also be needed if you're on the lookout for a new job, too. In an interview with the Financial Times, lawyers said 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." [caption id="attachment_264309" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi said it would be "up to businesses" whether they adopt a 'no jab, no job' policy. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)[/caption] Pimlico Plumbers is one such company that has confirmed it will implement a 'no jab, no job' policy into contracts signed by new hires. Company founder Charlie Mullins previously told Business Leader: "It's obvious that vaccination is the way out of the Covid crisis, and I think that there will soon be a strong argument for allowing businesses to open up to those who can prove they have been inoculated against Covid." Prime Minister Boris Johnson was previously asked whether a 'vaccine passport' could become a reality. 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."