EMPLOYERS cannot compel their staff to have a Covid-19 vaccine without good reason, an employment lawyer has warned.
But staff in some sectors could be sacked for refusing the jab if they present a threat to other people such as medical patients and social care users.
Laura Bowyer, HR and employment law specialist at the Affable Partnership in Southampton, said: “The last time government enforced vaccinations was the Vaccination Act 1853 for smallpox, which was repealed a long time ago.”
Compelling staff to have a vaccination would breach the Human Rights Act if the employee had a reasonable concern about side effects or danger and could also breach the Equality Act if the employee suffered discrimination because of their religion or a disability, she said.