← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Covid-19: Requirements for Employees to be Vaccinated — [Ian Paisley in the Chair]
24 January 2022
Lead MP
Martyn Day
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
SNP
Responding Minister
Paul Scully
Tags
NHSTaxationEmployment
Word Count: 14098
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Martyn Day raised concerns about covid-19: requirements for employees to be vaccinated — [ian paisley in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I urge the Government to delay or reconsider the policy on mandatory vaccinations for NHS staff and instead adopt an 'educate and encourage' strategy similar to that pursued by Scotland. This would prevent further workforce issues during a time of great pressure in healthcare.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the UK Government's stance on mandatory vaccination, particularly as it contrasts with Scotland's voluntary approach. With over 175,000 signatures gathered for a petition to make employer-mandated vaccinations illegal, there are significant public concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy. The deadline of 3 February for NHS workers in England to receive their first dose raises fears of an impending staffing crisis, with estimates suggesting up to 99,000 current vacancies in the NHS combined with potential job losses from mandatory vaccination policies.
Ben Bradley
Con
Sandwell and Dudley
Mr Bradley expressed support for vaccination but opposed mandatory vaccine policies for businesses and public services. He highlighted the staffing pressures in social care, noting a waiting list increase from zero to 400 within months. Concerned about staff losses and the impact on NHS backlogs, he urged reconsideration of the deadline for NHS and care staff vaccines. Ben Bradley highlighted potential losses of 500 care home staff in November and up to 3,000 staff in the wider home care sector by April, expressing concern about the impact on service delivery.
Esther McVey
Con
Tatton
The biggest issue facing the NHS is the backlog of operations and appointments. Sacking 100,000 NHS workers will only exacerbate this problem. Esther McVey suggested that the mandation policy is a get-out clause, urging the Minister to take back the powerful points heard and reverse the policy.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He praised the vaccine rollout and thanked the Government, but expressed concern over mandatory vaccination policies. He highlighted that more than 200,000 people have signed a petition against mandatory vaccinations, though he believes this is just a fraction of total support for personal choice. Shannon argued that coercion should not be used to enforce vaccination, emphasizing the importance of voluntary consent in medical ethics. In his contribution, Jim Shannon mentioned the clapping for NHS workers last year and expressed hurt over the current situation where they are no longer needed unless they comply with vaccination mandates.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
The debate is timely as restrictions are being lifted, and employees will return to work. The MP expressed concerns about the NHS workforce facing a staffing crisis exacerbated by vaccine mandates, highlighting that many NHS staff feel anxious about their position due to these policies.
Wirral West
Ms Greenwood expressed concern about the Government's intention to make covid-19 vaccination a requirement for all health and care workers in England from April 2022. She stated that forcing the vaccine on people is coercive, will do nothing to build trust, and undermines employment rights and human rights. With more than 218,000 signatures supporting the petition against mandatory vaccination, she highlighted that over 90,000 full-time equivalent vacancies already exist in England's NHS and cited warnings from healthcare organisations such as the Royal College of General Practitioners and the NHS Confederation about potential consequences for staffing levels. She also raised concerns about medical exemptions not being appealable.
Mick Whitley
Con
Crewe and Nantwich
Acknowledges the work of the Birkenhead vaccination team and urges unvaccinated constituents to get their first jab. Opposes employer vaccine mandates, citing concerns over unemployment for NHS staff during a cost-of-living crisis and potential staffing shortages. Points out that black, Asian and minority ethnic workers are likely to be disproportionately affected by such mandates. Highlights the impact of similar policies in care homes leading to workforce reductions and warns against punitive measures motivated by profit rather than safety.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Ms Barker expressed concern over the mandatory vaccination for NHS staff, arguing that it could cause a workforce crisis and is morally reprehensible. She cited the lack of thorough impact assessment and the potential loss of up to 126,000 staff members. Additionally, she criticised the Government's actions during the pandemic. Paula Barker questioned whether sacking up to 126,000 NHS staff would have a severely detrimental effect on the economy, despite the Minister's economic argument.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
The requirement to have a hepatitis vaccination is only in the public health green book and not mandatory in statute. Ms Maskell expressed concern over the potential loss of NHS and social care staff due to mandatory vaccination regulations, stating that the NHS is already understaffed with a shortage of around 100,000 workers. She cited Government figures indicating another 88,000 could be sacked if they do not get vaccinated by February 3rd. Ms Maskell emphasised that the exodus of staff would exacerbate the current NHS and social care crisis, adding strain on remaining staff who are already suffering from mental health issues due to the pandemic. Rachael Maskell cited statistics indicating that after 10 weeks, the efficacy of the vaccine against omicron is depleted to between 40% and 50%, questioning how the Minister can claim it is the best way out.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Glasgow South
Mr Steven Bonnar raised concerns about the impact of mandatory vaccination policies on employment rates and employee rights. He cited examples from companies such as Morrisons and Next that have reduced sick pay for unvaccinated employees, emphasizing that a pandemic should not be used to diminish employment security. Additionally, he highlighted potential consequences in healthcare sectors if up to 10% of staff might lose their jobs due to mandatory vaccination policies by April. Bonnar advocated for an educational approach rather than coercion and called upon the UK Government to reconsider their stance on mandated vaccinations.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Mr Farron argued against compulsory vaccination, stating that it is illiberal, wrong, and an attack on freedom. He called for more education to change hearts and minds rather than compulsion. He warned of the potential loss of up to 800 NHS jobs in his local area if compulsion goes ahead and highlighted the immense pressure on cancer services due to missed screenings and diagnoses during the pandemic.
Government Response
Paul Scully
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Paisley. I congratulate the Petitions Committee on securing the debate and acknowledge the hon. Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk's contribution. The petition has been signed by more than 190,000 people, reflecting the strength of opinion on this issue. Vaccination is our best defence against covid-19, with over 79% of eligible adults in England having received a booster dose, including 91% of over-50s. The vaccines provide strong protection, with hospitalisation rates remaining around 90% three months after the booster dose for those aged 65 and over.
I addressed concerns about mandatory vaccination in health settings by explaining that from 1 April 2022, all people working in NHS hospitals, independent hospitals, GP practices, and dental practices need to be vaccinated against covid-19. This includes private providers as well. The policy has two key exemptions: for those without face-to-face contact with patients and those medically exempt. Uptake among staff has increased from 92% to 95% since the Government consulted on this policy in September, representing an increase of nearly 100,000 people.
The Department of Health and Social Care will continue to encourage and support unvaccinated staff to take up vaccine offers. A 12-week grace period has been provided for workforce planning and to give non-vaccinated colleagues time to make the positive choice to protect their patients and themselves. We are also engaging with communities where uptake is lowest, including ethnic minority communities and faith networks.
For employers outside these specific settings, it will depend on the facts of each case whether it is lawful for an employer to require staff to be vaccinated. Employment law provides a framework to protect employees from unfair treatment, allowing the interrogation of all relevant facts to establish what is fair in any given situation.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.