Unions support swine flu jab for care workers

Public services unions are calling on social care employers to ensure that all eligible staff are given suitable and reasonable access to the H1N1 swine flu vaccination during working hours.

In a joint statement by the GMB, UNISON and Unite in support of the vaccination programme for front line social care workers, the unions encouraged their care worker members to protect themselves with the vaccine in addition to the seasonal flu immunisation.

GMB national officer Sharon Holder said: “We fully support the swine flu vaccination programme. It will reduce the risk to staff, protect their colleagues, families and those they care for and support and help sustain services during the pandemic.”

Those eligible for the voluntary vaccination programme are social care staff employed to provide personal care to children and adults, both in care homes and in the community.