Pimlico Plumbers introduces ‘no jab, no job’ hiring policy
Pimlico Plumbers’ owner, Charlie Mullins, has introduced a new ‘no jab, no job’ hiring policy as part of his latest recruitment drive. The new policy requires all applicants to have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. Mullins has said he is even prepared to spend over £1,000,000 on vaccinations (if they become privately available) in order to continue offering a ‘safe and secure service’ to customers.
Although an estimated 77% of adults in England (with similar proportions in Scotland and Northern Ireland and around 87% in Wales) have now received at least their first dose of the vaccine, a policy like this (no matter how well intentioned) may leave employers open to claims of discrimination in the Employment Tribunal.
With that being said, employers also have a duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees. Employers who introduce such a policy could argue that it is a necessary step towards fulfilling this duty in the COVID-19 era.
The sector in which the employer operates may also be relevant to the viability (and defensibility) of such a policy. For example, it could be seen as reasonable for employers in the care sector to insist their employees have the vaccine (as Barchester Healthcare have done) unless the employee is medically exempt.
In the case of Pimlico Plumbers, its operatives will go into their client’s private homes on a daily basis and have high levels of contact with the public. It may not seem quite as reasonable for a firm of accountants (or solicitors!) to implement the same policy given the nature of their business.
If you have any questions about ‘no jab, no job’ hiring, please email or call our Employment Law team today on 0113 207 0000.
Partner and Head of Employment
Employment Law
PKelly@LawBlacks.com
0113 227 9249
@PaulLawBlacks
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Paul Kelly
