We previously reported the Government's intention to scrap mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for health and social care staff, and staff in care homes in England.
A Government consultation on revoking mandatory vaccination has closed on 16 February 2022, having been open for just one week. The relevant legislation is now likely to be revoked by parliament.
There will be wide-ranging ramifications of the Government's change in policy. In respect of the health and social care sector, NHS England has asked employers not to terminate unvaccinated staff employment, even if they are mid-way through formal processes in preparation for the 1 April deadline. In the care home sector, where mandatory COVID-19 vaccination of staff has been in place since 11 November 2021, employers may be faced with staff asking for their jobs back.
At the time of writing, the outcome of the consultation is yet to be confirmed. However we anticipate the Government will move swiftly to confirm next steps, not least because the 1 April deadline for health and social care staff to be fully vaccinated is fast approaching. We will continue to report on developments when the Government confirms its intended next steps.