Workers should be given time off for vaccination
Labour enterprise spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called on businesses to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated. As well as an opportunity to encourage vaccine uptake, Deputy Ó Ríordáin said it is a practical measure to take to ensure everyone is protected against Covid as soon as possible.
Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:
“I want to commend Dublin Chamber for raising this, following the example set by President Biden, to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated. It would be a great sign of solidarity within the business community to see them support workers in this way. Providing paid time off for employees to attend their vaccine appointment when called is not only good for team morale, but for the safety of businesses and communities at large.
“A once-off policy of paid time off for vaccination would be a strong signal from employers about the importance of vaccines in the reopening of the economy. From a practical point of view, failure to provide paid time off may lead to a situation where employees may be forced to push out their vaccination date, leaving workers waiting longer for protection against the virus.
“The mood of the nation has been lifted this week with great photographs of people out and about, supporting local businesses and communities. I would encourage all businesses to make a once off exception and give employees time off for their vaccine appointment.”