Health and social care employers in Dorset have been warned by lawyers to stay on top of Covid regulations despite a government rethink over mandatory vaccinations.

Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors says that policies, contracts and risk assessments may need to be updated if the controversial policy is scrapped.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has launched a two-week consultation over proposals to drop the requirement after an outcry from employers and workers.

The mandatory vaccine for all health and social care staff – including NHS workers and those in a Care Quality Commission (CQC) setting – was due to come into force on April 1.

Kate Brooks, partner and head of employment/hr services at Ellis Jones Solicitors, said: “This rethink will be welcomed by many in health and social care although it does not mean they are out of the fire just yet.

“Even if the U-turn on mandatory vaccinations goes ahead, employers will still be expected to create a safe place of work for employees, and staff in health and social care settings will still be urged to be vaccinated and will need to consider carefully how to communicate and ongoing requirements to employees.”

The u-turn is expected to apply to care homes – where mandatory vaccinations have been in force since last autumn – as well as for NHS and social care. 

Kate, who has been recognised for her expertise in The Legal 500 and The Times Top 200 Law Firms guides, added: “Care home owners can be forgiven for feeling particularly aggrieved that the change is only being considered now after many employees have already left the sector.

“They will need to consider updating policies and contracts on the use of vaccines along with those in healthcare, social care and other CQC settings to reflect the changing position in law.

“They are advised to monitor developments and continue to communicate with staff who are impacted by changes to the mandatory vaccination rules.”

According to the government, more than 127,000 NHS staff have come forward for a vaccine with 95% having had at least one dose since September of last year.

Ellis Jones is a regional law firm with more than 160 staff including 20 partners. It has offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.

• www.ellisjones.co.uk

PICTURE: U-TURN: Kate Brooks, Partner and Head of Employment/HR Services at regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors, says action may still be required if mandatory vaccinations are axed