Boycott Ikea calls surge after retail giant cuts sick pay for unvaccinated staff who are self-isolating

Demand has increased for Ikea to be boycotted after the Ikea decided to cut sick pay for unvaccinated members of staff who are required to self-isolate.

The company has opted to change its payment plans for staff who have refused to take up the Covid vaccine.

This comes after the spread of Omicron has led to an increasing number of people to take time off work to self- isolate.

Ikea staff who are self-isolating with Covid will receive the minimum Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) amount of £96.35 per week.

In response to the measures, the hashtag #BoycottIkea has been trending on Twitter.

One user called the company’s decision an example of "disgusting discrimination".

Workers who are "fully vaccinated" will receive full pay from Ikea for isolation periods.

The full pay policy during isolation has also been extended to staff with "mitigating circumstances" preventing them from being vaccinated.

Ikea wrote in a statement: "Unvaccinated co-workers will be paid in line with our company absence policy for self-isolation, with close-contact isolation being paid at Statutory Sick Pay. We appreciate that this is an emotive topic and all circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis, therefore anyone in doubt or concerned about their situation is encouraged to speak to their manager."

Wessex Water joins Ikea with the measure by also reducing unvaccinated staff members’ pay to the SSP minimum.