"Victorian businesses are preparing to deal tomorrow with the 34 categories of workers specified in the Victorian Government's public health direction who will be required to have first vaccinations – or a booking to have a vaccination by 22 October," Tim Piper, the Victorian Head of the peak employer association Ai Group said today.
"V-Day is creating huge issues for some, especially those smaller businesses that rely on one or two people to keep the business running and many Ai Group members are contacting us expressing concern that some workers are refusing to be vaccinated.
"The workers have often been in their jobs many years, they may be key people in the business.
"Skilled and experienced employees are at a premium and some businesses are at their wit's end trying to decide what to do. They are literally between a rock and a hard place.
"It is important that all employees and unions recognise that employers have no option other than to comply with the Victorian Government's public health direction. If an employee arrives at work in breach of the public health direction, the employer needs to send the employee home. Employees are not entitled to be paid unless they agree to take any accrued annual leave or long service leave. To be entitled to payment an employee needs to be 'ready, willing and able' to work, and unvaccinated employees are not able to work.
"Despite the hurdles, double vaccination supports businesses and employees. It's an imperative," Mr Piper said.
