Wessex Water has told unvaccinated staff they will only receive statutory sick pay if they need to self-isolate due to close contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19.
The company said employees without a medical exemption who have not been vaccinated or confirmed a vaccination appointment will not be entitled to full pay during isolation as they have previously been.
“The vast majority of our workforce has been vaccinated and it’s important as a company providing essential services with key worker employees, the remainder get vaccinated to protect themselves, customers and their colleagues,” a Wessex spokesperson said.
The company has allowed employees to book vaccination appointments during work time for convenience.
“Absences due to Covid have doubled in the last week, so we need everyone to be available so we can continue to provide uninterrupted essential water and sewerage services,” the spokesperson added.
Throughout the pandemic Wessex has not furloughed staff and has provided full pay for any staff who have had to self-isolate.
From 17 January the isolation period for people testing positive for Covid-19 will be reduced to five full days, provided the person has two negative lateral flow tests on days five and six. The change was introduced to minimise economic disruption.