Angry shoppers are threatening to boycott Morrisons over its decision to cut pay for unvaccinated employees, who have to isolate after being exposed to the coronavirus.
Earlier this week, the Big 4 grocer followed Ocado’s route to change its policy regarding pay for unvaccinated staff members, but ensured it only applies to workers who are unvaccinated by choice.
Currently, workers who are unvaccinated get £96.35 a week for statutory sick pay, despite being forced to isolate.
However, as a result customers have taken to social media to get ‘#BoycottMorrisons’ trending and voice their “disappointment”.
One social media user said: “I will not shop at Morrisons until they drop this discriminatory policy.”
I will not shop at Morrisons until they drop this discriminatory policy.#BoycottMorrisons https://t.co/sz91JFlljd
— James Melville (@JamesMelville) January 19, 2022
Another added: “#BoycottMorrisons .. their staff worked throughout lockdown & this is how the company re-pays them? Shame on you.”
#BoycottMorrisons .. their staff worked throughout lockdown & this is how the company re pays them?
Shame on you @Morrisons https://t.co/wUoMw2HfyM— Sezzle (@s4r4h4d4ms) January 19, 2022
Seriously @Morrisons – isn’t this the most evil form of discrimination? #BoycottMorrisons https://t.co/vShgZrHK9q
— Anne Webb (@a_webb) January 18, 2022
“This is discriminatory, immoral and illegal #BoycottMorrisons,” another user added.
This is discriminatory, immoral and illegal #BoycottMorrisons https://t.co/lMEn5EbjdD
— Adnan Al-Daini (@respect65) January 19, 2022
Yet another employer taking advantage of the current situation to abuse employees… Where are the unions and labour Party when you need them #BoycottMorrisons #NoMandates https://t.co/ZEvaHdAp8B
— peskygator (@peskygator) January 19, 2022
However, at the time of writing, the hashtag has over 3,000 tweets but not all are bashing the Big 4 grocer, some even praising it.
“Another case of anti-vaxxers misunderstanding a basic principle: you can’t boycott something you’ve already been excluded from. It’s like a child trying to boycott a party they weren’t invited to. It’s the equivalent of “well you can’t fire me because I quit,” a user said.
Another case of anti-vaxxers misunderstanding a basic principle: you can't boycott something you've already been excluded from. It's like a child trying to boycott a party they weren't invited to.
It's the equivalent of "well you can't fire me because I quit!" #BoycottMorrisons— Adam L (@Adam_L_17) January 20, 2022
Another added that they are “delighted” that anti-vaxers, anti-maskers and Covid deniers are going to #BoycottMorrisons. “Who doesn’t want to shop in a safer environment?”
I'm delighted that anti-vaxers, anti-maskers and covid deniers are going to #BoycottMorrisons. Who doesn't want to shop in a safer environment?
— JohnMartin #FBPPR (@its_johnmartin) January 19, 2022
In September last year, Morrisons chief executive David Potts initially announced the move, in a bid to tackle the “biblical costs” of the pandemic.
The social media rampage follows Ocado’s decision to cut sick pay for unvaccinated staff who must self-isolate due to exposure to Covid-19.
Grocery Gazette has contacted Morrisons for comment.
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