Employment law comment – Pimlico Plumbers to introduce ‘no jab, no job’ contracts

A comment from employment law specialist Tim Copplestone, following the recent news that Pimlico Plumbers plans to re-write its employees’ contracts to require them to have a Covid-19 vaccine (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-55654229).

Tim Copplestone, partner with national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, and specialist in employment law, said:

“Despite widespread speculation in the media, employers (and indeed even the Government) do not hold an absolute power to compel an employee to receive a vaccination. 

“Employers need to ensure that their approach does not breach the mutual trust and confidence between the parties, and that they are sensitive to human rights and wider statutory employment protections (such as protection from discrimination). 

“Given the importance of safeguarding their workforce and members of the public, many employers are understandably prioritising urgent vaccination protection for their teams when they are eligible, especially for those who perform higher risk/key roles.”