Covid-19 vaccination requirements for employees to be debated by MPs

• Watch the debate (from 6pm, Monday 24 January)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate)
• Follow the Committee on Twitter and join the discussion using #EmployeeVaccinationsDebate

Martyn Day MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

Prohibit employers from requiring staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19

The petition, which has more than 170,000 signatures, states: “Make it illegal for any employer to mandate vaccination for its employees. This should apply to all public sector (including the NHS, armed forces, care workers), third sector and all private sector.”

In response to the petition, provided on 25 November 2021, the Government said: “Organisations’ practices must be lawful and not discriminate. Government has identified limited settings where there is a public health rationale for making vaccination a condition of deployment.”

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Further information

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
• Find out more about select committees

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