NHS England has published an update following news that the Government is reconsidering legislation requiring vaccination as a condition of deployment, which was due to come into effect from April 1 2022.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care told the House of Commons that regulations making vaccines a condition of deployment for health and social care staff in England are set to be revoked, subject to public consultation and parliamentary approval.
A letter from NHSE notes that, based on the guidance already issued to the service, employers will have begun to prepare for formal meetings with staff on their deployment if they remain unvaccinated. It states that this change in Government policy means employers are requested to not serve notice of termination to employees affected by the VCOD regulations.
Now, RPS England has responded to the news.
RPS England Board Chair said: “We have always encouraged pharmacy teams to have any vaccine necessary to help protect themselves, but did not support making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory in England
“Informed and educated choices about health interventions are more beneficial in the long-term than enforcing them.
“This policy was brought forward despite concerns raised by professional bodies from across the health professions.
“This is a divisive issue and has put some staff in a really difficult position, often personally as well as professionally.
“This reversal may come as little comfort for those already affected by this policy, including those working in the care sector, and the Government and NHS must ensure they get the support they need.”
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