Care workers told Scottish Government will pay for booster jabs taken during work time

Care workers in Scotland have been told they will not lose wages or have to take annual leave to get a booster jab because the Scottish government will pay for care workers to get Covid vaccinations and boosters during work time.

Faced with rising cases of the Covid variant Omicron in Scotland, the Scottish Government has confirmed it took the decision to give the financial incentive because ‘rates of uptake of the booster vaccine are currently lower among social care staff’.

The government stated ‘financial support is available for adult care providers who incur additional costs if employees are vaccinated in working time – so staff can do so without losing earnings or having to take annual leave’.

Low booster uptake for social care staff

Only 47 per cent of frontline social care workers and 54 per cent of care home staff have had their booster. This is lower than other sectors such as frontline healthcare workers (72 per cent), according to official figures.

Scotland's health secretary 'Getting vaccinated is vital'

Scotland’s Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I’m very grateful to all our social care workers for their continued resilience and ongoing commitment during what I know continues to be a very difficult time.

“I know staff are likely to be feeling particularly fatigued after more than 20 months of the pandemic and I want to thank you all for supporting each other and working together as we continue to navigate through this.

“However, we know that the rate of take up among those working in care homes and social care is not as high as in other sectors.

“It is crucial, especially for those working with some of our most vulnerable citizens, that you get your booster if you have not already done so. Getting vaccinated is vital in protecting you, those you care for, and your friends and family.”

All social care staff are also being encouraged to undertake daily lateral flow testing.

An online booking portal for vaccinations for health and social care workers can be accessed at: www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/vaccinations-for-health-and-social-care-workers

Care staff without online access can also call the National Helpline on 0800 030 8013 to book an appointment.