// Morrisons takes “dangerous and retrograde step” by cutting sick pay for unvaccinated staff
// The grocer aims to encourage more workers to be vaccinated with this new policy
Morrisons has faced backlash for its “dangerous and retrograde step” in cutting sick pay for unvaccinated staff, as it hopes to encourage jab uptake.
The Big 4 grocer is now at risk of dealing with legal action after plans to reduce the amount paid to staff who had not been vaccinated and had been told to self-isolate.
Morrisons said it was pushing through the change in an effort to encourage more workers to be vaccinated.
READ MORE: Morrisons warns of price rises as profits nearly halve
Lawyers and union chiefs have warned the grocer of legal action.
The pay cut will not apply to those who have not been given the chance to get two vaccine doses or those who have Covid-19 symptoms.
Morrisons intends to save money and encourage vaccine uptake by changing the policy, but unions said there is a risk staff will avoid isolating when they should do so.
Unite national health and safety adviser, Rob Miguel said: “Unite absolutely encourages people who are able to get vaccinated, but we also strongly believe the process should be voluntary as there are many people unable to be vaccinated for legitimate reasons.
“Such strong-arm tactics will result in issues around equalities, human rights and ethical breaches.
“The pandemic has taught us that workers who can’t afford to self-isolate will be tempted to continue working, as the economic consequences of not doing so are dire.”
Lawyers said the company could also face discrimination claims over the move, in particular from those with disabilities who were medically able to get the vaccine, but had opted not to.
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