Following the town hall meeting with the Secretary at the conclusion of the Phase II consultation process on Friday 19 November 2021, the PSA has received a further briefing from the Department.

The briefing has confirmed the following:

• Mandatory vaccination is a requirement for all staff in both Phase I and Phase II
• Phase I staff are still required to show proof of vaccination by Monday 22 November 2021, and
• Need to be fully vaccinated by 1 December 2021,
• Phase II Staff need to show proof of their vaccination by 17 December 2021, and
• Need to be fully vaccinated by 10 January 2022

For staff who do not have either a medical or exceptional circumstance exemption, i.e. category 3 for both Phase I and II will continue on suitable duties (work from home) up until 28 February 2022, no further extensions beyond 28 February 2022 will be provided for employees to remain unvaccinated while undertaking work for the Department from that date.

Staff who fall into category 3 can at any time up until 28 February (if they are prepared to change their position as to being vaccinated) notify the Department of such a change for further consideration.

The PSA again encourages our members who are unable to comply with the mandatory vaccination for whatever reason to engage with the DCS Hypercare team and inform the PSA of your situation as soon as possible.