Employment Webinar Highlights Ongoing Disruption for Care Sector
57% of care sector professionals attending a recent employment law webinar have experienced significant disruptions in their organisation as a result of staff missing the deadline for the Covid-19 vaccination.
This statistic was uncovered during a recent employment law webinar for HR managers in the care sector, in conjunction with The Carer. Employment law experts Clive Dobbin, Claire Merritt and Tabytha Cunningham gave attendees up to date guidance on key issues affecting the care sector, including navigating the vaccination legislation, supporting mental health of staff and obligations to EU workers.
The apparent disruption in the sector is no surprise. An astonishing 86% of attendees reported that some of their staff had failed to meet the first vaccination deadline. Having given a detailed breakdown of care home obligations and the upcoming deadlines, Clive summarised best practice around tricky issues that may come about as a result of the vaccination legislation, such as discrimination or unfair dismissal claims.
Immigration specialist Tabytha Cunningham delivered a detailed summary on employer responsibilities and EU workers, noting that the impact of Brexit on the sector will be significant. Care homes will have to navigate strict deadlines and numerous application processes to support and retain their EU workers.
The care sector is unquestionably facing unique challenges around the mental health of staff. Partner Claire Merritt highlighted the key signs of poor mental health and suggested important steps employers should take to support their staff. Claire answered questions about mental health in the workplace, noting that workers are more anxious than ever about their workplaces being safe, adding that reports of employees experiencing suicidal thoughts are on the rise.
Clive Dobbin, Head of Employment: “We’ve worked closely with clients in the care sector for many years and they are now facing unique challenges. The next few months, and even years, will be difficult to navigate. As a team we have committed to providing free and regular information for HR professionals throughout the pandemic and beyond.”
The Paris Smith employment team has also put together a useful blog on vaccinations in care homes which you can read at https://parissmith.co.uk/blog/compulsory-vaccination-in-care-homes/
Those unable to attend the webinar can view the video below:
