Ikea has cut sick pay for some unvaccinated employees in the UK who are isolating themselves after coming into contact with a positive case of Covid-19.
The policy means the furniture retailer joins a growing list of companies taking a tougher approach to employees who refuse vaccinations.
Ikea, which has more than 10,000 employees in the UK, said it would reduce sick pay for this group to the legal minimum of £96.35 a week. The policy change was first reported by The Mail on Sunday.
“Unvaccinated workers without extenuating circumstances, who have been identified as close contacts of positive cases, will receive statutory sick pay,” Ikea said.
The UK government in August canceled the self-isolation of people double-vaccinated for close contact with a case of Covid-19.
Ikea said its approach to Covid-19-related absences had changed after last September, and individuals absent from work would be considered “on a case-by-case basis”.
Water and sewage company Wessex Water introduced a similar change in sick pay policy starting Monday, joining companies like Wm Morrison who have already reduced sick pay for unvaccinated employees.
The utility company, which has experienced increasing absences in recent weeks, will pay the statutory minimum sickness allowance to any isolated employee who has not received at least one Covid-19 vaccine.
“Absences due to Covid have doubled in the last week, so we need everyone to be available so we can continue to provide essential uninterrupted water and sewage services,” the company said.
Julian Cox, head of employment practices at BLM Law, said any company cutting sick pay for unvaccinated employees “needs to tread carefully.”
“While some companies see this as a way to encourage employees to get vaccinated, there are potential pitfalls for the unwary, including allegations of breach of contract, constructive dismissal and discrimination,” he added.
Marie Walsh, an expert in labor law, warned that companies should “consider the repercussions” of such a policy. “It can lead employees not to isolate themselves and follow directions, showing up for work when they shouldn’t,” he added.
Translated by Luiz Roberto M. Gonçalves
.
I have over 8 years of experience in the news industry. I have worked for various news websites and have also written for a few news agencies. I mostly cover healthcare news, but I am also interested in other topics such as politics, business, and entertainment. In my free time, I enjoy writing fiction and spending time with my family and friends.
