Ikea cuts sick pay for unvaccinated staff members

Ikea has slashed its sick pay for unvaxxed employees who need to self-isolate if exposed to someone with Covid.

Those who opted against the jab – by choice and with no mitigating circumstances – could receive as little as £96.35 a week (the Statutory Sick Pay minimum). Though Ikea disclosed that “all will be considered on a case by case basis.”

“Fully vaccinated” staff members, however, will receive full pay.

“Fully vaccinated co-workers or those that are unvaccinated owing to mitigating circumstances which, for example, could include pregnancy or other medical grounds, will receive full pay,” the Swedish flatpack furniture retailer said.

The policy was implemented at Wessex Water this week, which serves 2.8 million customers in the South West of England.

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An Ikea spokesperson said: “Following the vaccine roll out and changes in the Government’s isolation requirements, our approach to Covid-related absences evolved from the September 20, 2021 – an approach developed with our social partners and national co-worker committee.

“Fully vaccinated co-workers or those that are unvaccinated owing to mitigating circumstances which, for example, could include pregnancy or other medical grounds, will receive full pay.

“Unvaccinated co-workers without mitigating circumstances that test positive with Covid will be paid full company sick pay in line with our company absence policy.

“Unvaccinated co-workers without mitigating circumstances who have been identified as close contacts of a positive case will be paid Statutory Sick Pay. We know this is a highly emotive topic and we appreciate there are many unique circumstances. As such, all will be considered on a case by case basis.”

Last month, Covid self-isolation guidelines were eased for those who are vaccinated. However, unvaxxed people must continue to self-isolate for the entire ten days.