Next cuts sick pay for unvaccinated workers who have to self-isolate
High street retailer Next has confirmed it has cut sick pay for unvaccinated staff forced to self-isolate due to exposure to someone with Covid-19.
The Leicestershire-headquartered company, which employs around 44,000 people, is one of a number of big employers that have decided that unvaccinated staff forced to isolate after being in close contact with someone with Covid will only get statutory sick pay – unless there are mitigating circumstances.
Firms including Ocado, Morrisons and Ikea have introduced similar policies.
However, Next said employees who actually test positive for Covid-19 – regardless of whether they are vaccinated – will be paid in full.
Right now Next is facing higher absences than might normally be expected at this time of year.
Many companies have witnessed a jump in absences in recent weeks due to the rapid spread of the Omicron strain of the virus.
The BBC reported that Next pays store sales consultants and stock assistants between £6.55 and £9.21 an hour and warehouse operatives between £9.30 and £11.26 an hour. The broadcaster said unvaccinated workers who are required to isolate having been identified as a close contact of someone with Covid could now receive as little as £96.35 a week – the Statutory Sick Pay minimum – unless there are mitigating circumstances.
It comes a week after Next reported strong Christmas trading on the back of good demand for partywear.
