HR File: 2022 employment law outlook

All eligible adults in the UK will be offered their booster vaccination before the end of January 2022. This means businesses can expect requests from staff to take time off to get their booster. There may also be an increase in short-term sickness absence following the jab, so this is something to plan and prepare for.

Employers may also require staff to provide their Covid status for the purpose of their health and safety obligations. Such requirements will likely differ between sectors.

Currently in the UK, vaccinations are not mandatory, except for care home staff. However, from April 1, 2022, all staff who work in health and social care settings, including the NHS, must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to continue working.