Great Britain: companies reduce sick pay for unvaccinated employees who need to isolate

From 10 January, employees of the Wessex Water company who have not received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and who do not have any medical evidence justifying their status will only receive statutory sickness benefit, if they have to self-isolate as a result of being a close Covid-19 contact. The basic benefit is much lower than the amount usually paid by the employer. In cases where employees present a positive Covid test, 100% sickness benefit will be paid again. “Absences due to Covid have doubled in the last week, so we need everyone to be available so we can continue to provide uninterrupted essential water and sewerage services,” said a spokesperson for Wessex Water, which employs 2,500. Currently, those living in England who have received two doses of the vaccine no longer have to enter self-isolation if they are deemed a contact of a Covid case. Following the Wessex Water announcement, the UK press revealed that furniture giant Ikea had also adopted a similar policy for its 10,000 UK employees in September, so that during self-isolation periods unvaccinated workers will only receive £96.35 a week (€115.60), compared to Ikea’s average sick pay of over £400 (€479). “We appreciate that this is an emotive topic and all circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis,” an Ikea spokesperson promised. In October 2021 Morrisons supermarkets also adopted a similar measure (c.f. article No.12680).