'No Jab, No Job' - Can you change your employment contracts?

Employers may wish to change existing employees' terms and conditions of employment in a number of ways. One of the more pressing reasons is to encourage employees to take the vaccine.

Employers need to be aware that vaccination against COVID-19 may not be suitable in all cases. For example:

• Individuals who have immunosuppression may not make a full immune response to vaccination against COVID-19.

• Those with severe allergies should not have the vaccine.

• Vaccination of individuals who are experiencing prolonged COVID-19 symptoms may need to be deferred.

• Pregnant women should not routinely be vaccinated until more information is available about the impact of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. The government does not consider COVID-19 vaccines to be a risk to the mother or the infant when breastfeeding.

At present day (12 March 2021) it is still 'early days' to suggest that businesses are able to incorporate clauses within the employment contracts of their employees. Businesses can however have a new Covid-19 vaccination policy (which often do not form part of employment contracts and can be changed over time) which encourages employees to take the vaccine.

Does your business need a COVID-19 vaccination policy?

Magara Law provides a version of this policy tailored to your business. Get in touch to find out more: 01869 325 883 // roy@magaralaw.co.uk