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The Citizen reports that insurance giant Old Mutual is implementing a mandatory vaccination policy for all its employees, at all its subsidiaries, and employees have until 1 January 2022 to get at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
They have to be fully vaccinated by March 2022 and must also declare and submit proof of their vaccination status via a CoronaFighter app declaration process within the deadline. Employees who don’t want to get the vaccine must apply for “vaccination exemption”, which will be considered for “specific medical, religious or constitutional grounds”. If the employee’s exemption is granted, there will be additional measures in place, including temporary or permanent alternative placement, weekly Covid-19 PCR testing, wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and an N95 mask. “If we can’t reasonably accommodate you, our HR process will begin, which could result in termination,” reads the internal staff memo. If the exemption is denied, the employee has five days to get the jab, failing which, they will be fired. Old Mutual said it would provide counselling on its mandatory vaccine policy. Staff will be allowed to consult with a trade union representative, worker representative or health and safety representative. Old Mutual will also provide access to a virtual consultation with a medical professional to answer questions about vaccines.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Narissa Subramoney at The Citizen
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page