Next PLC cuts sick pay for unvaccinated staff who must self-isolate
The move comes amid soaring levels of worker absences due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus
Next PLC (LSE:NXT) has reduced sick pay for unvaccinated staff who have to take time off work to self-isolate because of exposure to COVID-19, the BBC reported.
They could now receive as little as £96.35 a week – the Statutory Sick Pay minimum – unless there are mitigating circumstances, according to the report.
Unvaccinated employees will still get full sick pay if they test positive for COVID-19.
The fashion retailer acknowledged it was an “emotive topic” but told the BBC it had to balance staff and shareholder needs.
It follows a similar move by Ikea and comes amid soaring levels of worker absences due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.
New rules mean people who have received the COVID jabs do not need to self-isolate if they have been in close contact with a positive case, but those who are unvaccinated must still self-isolate for 10 full days.
Sick pay cuts will also be implemented at Wessex Water and in the US several major companies have started penalising un-jabbed workers, the BBC said.
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