Question reference: S5W-34542
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 13 January 2021
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Current status: Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 21 January 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure businesses allow staff paid time off to attend appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccination and to escort vulnerable relatives to their vaccination appointments.
Answer
We have a common goal - to get through this pandemic, and safe, effective vaccines are one of the tools we have to do this. We expect all employers to support workers to be vaccinated, and to do everything they can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The vaccine forms a critical part of our public health strategy, and on 18 December, in agreement with key partners, we updated our joint statement of Fair Work practices to make specific reference to supporting workers to “attend for vaccination when advised to do so, without any financial detriment.”
The health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and the economy is our priority, and in these exceptional times, adopting a Fair Work approach is more important than ever. While employment law remains reserved, we will continue to promote fair working practices right across the economy.