Some UK employers have opted for mandatory Covid vaccinations - ignoring the reluctance of Gen Z employees to accept the jab.

In a survey - by people management platform Employment Hero - of more than 500 employers and 500 employees in the UK in March 2021, it was found that 84 per cent of respondents wanted the vaccine.

However, 29 per cent of Gen Z respondents - those aged between 18 and 24 years - said that they are feeling unsure about accepting the jab; a further 15 per cent said that they do not want it and only 56 per cent stated that they would accept it, if offered.

Employment Hero research has revealed the new data on how employers are feeling as vaccinations increase and lockdown restrictions begin to ease.

Unexpectedly, it was found that 37 per cent of UK employers were suggesting that they would be making it mandatory to have been vaccinated - and it was also found that 24 per cent of UK workers stated that they were feeling forced by their employers to accept the jab. Remarkably different results were found, however, depending on the employee’s location - employees in Greater London were 42 per cent more likely to feel pressured by their employer than those working in Scotland, who were 74 per cent less likely to feel any pressure. 

With reference to vaccine passports, nearly 80 per cent of UK employee respondents are of the opinion that they are a good idea, but 21 per cent are against.  Employers, though, are divided in their thoughts about passports with 36 per cent stating that they would adopt them and 30 per cent disagreeing.

Many employers – 29 per cent – state that they are considering the idea of long-term remote working.  An additional 26 per cent said they would allow more flexibility to employees regarding location and hours of work but 23 per cent of employers said they would return their teams to the office as normal over the next six months.

Ben Thompson - CEO and co-founder of Employment Hero - said:

“This year has presented unique challenges for many employers and employees and as we look to the next six months, there are positives for businesses worldwide, but new challenges will arise. It is important employers listen to their employees and offer ‘Total Employment Care’ where possible. Don’t make assumptions about employee resistance to the vaccine or returning to the office. Share verified information with your employees and be open to their feedback or risk star talent jumping ship. A full return to the office might not happen in 2021, or ever, and employers should be prepared for this. One of the few silver linings of the pandemic was the realisation that workers can still thrive productively while working outside the office parameters. Businesses should not forget this. Invest in the tools that keep both productivity and communication up, and don’t overlook an incredibly talented workforce just because of their personal health choices or remote working preferences.”