Responding to the news that the Government is considering making vaccination mandatory for care home workers, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, Munira Wilson MP said: “Care home staff have gone above and beyond over the course of this pandemic and the Liberal Democrats offer our thanks for all their hard work.
“We strongly support the vaccination programme and urge everyone to get their jab when asked to. However, we are concerned that the Government is considering making vaccination compulsory for care home staff.
“Before considering such a measure, the Government should be making every possible effort to enable all health and care staff to get the jab as easily as possible. This should include paid time off and travel expenses to get the jab. For those who may be reluctant, one to one engagement with trusted healthcare professionals is needed.
“Mandatory vaccination is not a quick fix and we worry that this could sow distrust and lower morale. Liberal Democrats believe we must win the argument for vaccination and make it as accessible as possible. This is the most effective way to encourage uptake of the vaccine and keep everyone safe in the long term.”