Double-jabbed Britons have celebrated Morrisons decision to cut sick pay for unvaccinated staff in a bid to encourage vaccine uptake.
The grocer said it plans to cut the amount paid to unvaccinated staff who had been told to self-isolate.
The slash will not apply to those who have not been given the chance to get two Covid-19 jabs or those who have symptoms.
The move has resulted in many anti-vaxxers declaring they will no longer shop at the supermarket sparking #BoycottMorrisons trending on social media.
However, many vaccine supporters have shared their delight at the decision.
Among the sea of comments, one tweeted: “If anti-vaxxers have decided to #BoycottMorrisons, it’ll make it a safer place to shop and leave more food to buy. #winwin”
Others added: “I’ll be doing all my shopping at Morrisons now the anti-vaxxers are going elsewhere to buy the tin foil for their hats #BoycottMorrisons”.
“All the anti-Vaxxers saying #BoycottMorrisons… thank you for making Morrison’s the safest supermarket in the country for all the vulnerable people.”
However, lawyers and union chiefs have warned the supermarket could face legal action as a result of their decision to change the policy.
Rob Miguel, national health and safety adviser at Unite, told The Telegraph: “Unite absolutely encourages people who are able to get vaccinated but we also strongly believe the process should be voluntary as there are many people unable to be vaccinated for legitimate reasons. Such strong-arm tactics will result in issues around equalities, human rights and ethical breaches.”
Lawyers warned the company could be hit with discrimination claims, for instance from those with disabilities who were medically able to get the vaccine but chose not to.
Mandy Perry, at Simmons & Simmons, told the paper: “It’s all new, so we’ve got no case law.”
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “From October 1, following Government confirmation that all adults have had the opportunity to get double vaccinated, we will no longer be paying full sick pay for pinged colleagues who have chosen not to be vaccinated.”
