A Harrogate district pub is paying its staff to get double covid vaccinated in an effort to prevent further closure and keep its team healthy.
Graham Usher, co-owner of The Inn at South Stainley, has put a £100 incentive for staff to have their two covid jabs.
Those who get double vaccinated will receive the payment after their second vaccine.
Mr Usher, who employs 50 people across three sites, said the move to incentivise staff would help with both health and keeping the pub open.
He said:
“It’s cheaper for us to incentivise the team and keep the pub open.
“It’s a much better way to do this, rather than force everyone [to get the vaccine] it is up to them.”
Mr Usher added that the payment also incentivises younger staff to get the vaccinated.
Read more:
- First covid death in four months at Harrogate hospital
- The Red Lion at South Stainley to reopen with new name and owners
As of Monday, all 16 and 17 year olds will be offered a first dose of a covid vaccine.
Keeping the pub open
Mr Usher, who took over the pub with his co-owner Matt Rose in April, said The Inn had so far coped well with the so-called “pingdemic”.
He said one or two staff had been told to self-isolate, but the pub had largely managed.
Under new rules introduced on Monday, those who are fully vaccinated are not required to self-isolate when pinged by the NHS covid app.
Some hospitality businesses had to close under the old system after staff were forced to isolate.
Mr Usher added that he hoped that staff getting double jabbed would help prevent the pub from closing due to staff isolation.
