Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the Government’s decision to require at-risk businesses to ensure their staff are vaccinated against Covid-19 is a practical step.
The move will help keep the community safe as the city begins to open up under the new Covid-19 protection framework, he says.
“Under the ‘red’ setting, businesses such as bars, cafes, restaurants and gyms will be able to open for up to 100 people only if all customers have vaccination certificates, so it makes sense to require staff to also be vaccinated.
“This provides certainty for these businesses which have been seeking clarity on this matter, will help ensure staff are safe at work and will give Aucklanders confidence to shop, dine out and enjoy all the things that make our city such a great place to live.”
Goff says the requirement will effectively mandate vaccination for about 40 per cent of Auckland’s workforce.
That will help to increase the vaccine’s uptake as the Government aims to reach 90 per cent of the eligible population getting their second dose.
“A highly vaccinated population is the key to keeping people safe and will allow us to further reopen our community and return to life with fewer restrictions on businesses, gatherings and events,” Goff says.
“To those who are not yet vaccinated, I urge you to get it done now.
“It will protect your family, friends and loved ones from the virus and will ensure we can all move to a lower level of restrictions in time to enjoy festivals, concerts, sports and other events this summer.”
The Government announced on October 26 that it plans to introduce measures to “help protect workplaces and workers from Covid-19”.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood said vaccination will be required for all workers where customers need to show Covid-19 vaccination certificates, such as hospitality and close-contact businesses.
The new law will introduce a clearer and simplified risk-assessment process for employers to follow when deciding whether they can require vaccination for different types of work, he says.
Non-vaccinated workers in roles requiring vaccination will be given a new four-week notice period to get vaccinated before their employment can be terminated.
Employers will be required to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated and will need to keep records about workers’ vaccination status.
“The timing of this coming into force will depend on when we move to the Covid-19 protection framework,” Wood says.
“We’re working with the CTU (Council of Trade Unions) and Business NZ to make sure we will have robust guidance for businesses ready well in advance.”
Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown says once vaccine targets are reached “it doesn’t make sense to require people to show proof of vaccination everywhere they go in New Zealand”.
“National will allow people and businesses to decide when they can be used rather than imposing more restrictions on New Zealanders.”
