Sealord considers mandatory vaccinations

Sealord, the country’s largest fishing company, is considering introducing mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for most of its staff. The Nelson-based company has asked for feedback by December 3 on a proposal to mandate double vaccinations and booster vaccinations for all staff employed on vessels, land-based factories and supporting essential employees, in-store sales and marketing teams and non-essential staff who are required to be on site when Covid-19 alert levels recommend doing so. Chief executive Doug Paulin said the proposal would impact about 800 of its 1200 New Zealand staff. If the proposal went ahead, staff in affected roles would have four weeks to get their first vaccination and a further six weeks for the second vaccination, unless they had a medical exemption. If there were no other employment options, staff who refused would be fired unless they then began the vaccination process.