Vaccine mandates could see West Australians leaving jobs

Some 39,000 West Australians could quit their jobs as a result of mandated COVID-19 vaccinations, which could bring on a hit of A$2.9 billion (US$2.06 billion) to the state’s economy, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA).

Some 3.7% of workers from 900 households surveyed in November revealed that they were against getting their vaccinations, while 4.8% were still mulling over the decision. 

Data suggests that about 55,000 West Australians were opposed to getting the vaccine, with 39,000 of them being in jobs where it was mandatory to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, highlighted the CCIWA report, which was compiled to help businesses understand the impact of anti-vaccine sentiment on the economy, workforce, and relevant suppliers and contractors.

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Respondents believe that measures such as being given “trustworthy” information that vaccinations were safe (74%); receiving financial incentives (66%); exclusion from shops and food outlets (57%); working in an occupation with mandatory jabs (49%); and exclusion from education facilities (39%) could help improve vaccination rates.