UK employers pledge flexibility during COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Businesses across the country have pledged to be flexible to enable staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

IKEA, Asda, Slimming World, Metro Bank, Procter & Gamble UK, Santander, Nationwide, Severn Trent and Merlin Entertainments are among the businesses that have committed to be as flexible as possible in letting employees have time off work to get the vaccine.

Industry bodies, such as the British Beer and Pub Association and Builders Merchants Federation, have also pledged to support the ongoing rollout of the vaccine.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, commented: “Our vaccination programme has so far saved thousands of lives, protecting our loved ones and bringing down infection rates to a point where we can see normality on the horizon.

“It’s fantastic that employers are prioritising the safety of their staff and doing all they can to encourage people to get vaccinated.

“I urge everyone to get their vaccines when they get the call so we can beat this pandemic together.”

Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi added: “Vaccines save lives, they protect you and your loved ones from this terrible virus and they are the best way out of this pandemic.

“Thank you to all of the organisations which have joined this incredibly important campaign to promote vaccine uptake.

“I call on every business in the UK, no matter how big or small, to join the national charge and help your employees to access life-saving jabs when they are eligible.”