Call for workplace support for people not fully protected by Covid-19 vaccines

Immunodeficiency UK are part of a coalition of 18 charities calling on employers across the UK to put protective measures in place for staff who are likely to have reduced protection from the Covid-19 vaccine. The organisations, represent up to 500,000 people in the UK.

The coalition are calling for:

Individual Covid-19 risk assessments to be prioritised as a matter of urgency for employees at most risk
Adjustments such as flexible start times to avoid peak time travel on public transport
Those most at risk to be allowed to continue working from home where possible
The use of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – open until 30 September – to furlough those who cannot work from home.

See the open letter in full (PDF)

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Fiona Loud, Policy Director at Kidney Care UK said: ‘With many companies expecting their workforce to return to offices this month action MUST be taken to ensure that people who are not fully protected by the vaccine are supported at work. There is no one size fits all approach. People are keen to get back to their usual activities but to be safe while doing so, which is why it is so important that comprehensive and individual risk assessments are carried out.’

‘As soon as lockdown restrictions started to lift at the end of March employers have been asking their staff to return to the workplace. This has left many of those who have been shielding for over a year and who have been warned by doctors that the vaccine may give them less protection, feeling incredibly anxious.’

Those who are concerned that they may not be fully protected by the Covid-19 vaccine are urged to download a copy of the letter and share directly with their employer.

What you can do to support the campaign

You may like to write to your MP to ask them to raise your concerns about workplace safety for those who may not be fully protected by the vaccine with the Government: Download a template letter. The contact details of your MP can be found using this link Find your MP at this link.

Full list of participating charities: