Google cracks down on vaccine holdouts with a blanket dismissal threat
Google has adopted a hardline stance against vaccine holdouts in its ranks by vowing to fire any employee who refuses to be jabbed.
Google cracks down on vaccine holdouts with a blanket dismissal threat
The tough position has been mandated by chief exec Sundar Pichai, who first informed employees back in July that he expected everyone to be protected.
A leaked internal memo dated from earlier this year confirms that this policy has been significantly tightened, with staff bluntly informed that they must upload documents proving their vaccine status, with those who fail to comply placed on unpaid leave and ultimate dismissal.
Exceptions will only be made for employees who plead exemption on medical or religious grounds.
Anyone failing to comply with the cut-off date of January 18 will be automatically placed on paid administrative leave for 30 days, followed by an unpaid leave period of up to 6 months. Beyond that point, Google’s patience will stretch no further with anyone still clinging on subject to dismissal.
A spokesperson for Alphabet, Google’s parent, told the BBC: “As we’ve stated before, our vaccination requirements are one of the most important ways we can keep our workforce safe and keep our services running.
“We’re committed to doing everything possible to help our employees who can get vaccinated do so, and firmly stand behind our vaccination policy.“
The fast-moving pandemic situation is coming to a head over Christmas as employers and businesses grapple with an explosion of infections that have derailed efforts to reopen the economy and get people back to the office.
Into this environment, a raft of vaccine mandates and legal challenges have emerged as vaccine proponents trade blows with a sizeable minority of stalwart anti-vaxxers.
Content created with:
Google is committed to helping businesses thrive in a privacy-first world. The technology giant works with thousands of businesses and agencies to help them prepare...
Find out more