[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The U.S. private equity firm Blackstone will mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for employees at its London office starting next week. This is an unusual move in the UK, which has declared a 'With COVID' policy.
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 13th (local time), Blackstone announced in an internal notice that "from the 18th, only employees who have completed vaccination will be allowed to enter the London office."
Accordingly, employees must upload their vaccination certificates to the company system. Even if vaccinated, employees must submit a negative test result to come to the office.
Blackstone stated, "The health of our employees is the top priority," adding, "Since vaccines prevent severe infection and hospitalization, we believe that mandating vaccination is the best way to protect our employees and their families."
The U.S. government under Joe Biden effectively mandated vaccination last month for employees of companies with over 100 workers. In contrast, in the UK, companies recommend vaccination rather than enforce it due to privacy concerns and other reasons.
Besides Blackstone, the U.S.-based law firm Morrison & Foerster also mandated employee vaccinations ahead of reopening its London office in mid-last month.
The NYT reported, "Foreign companies operating overseas are facing difficulties," noting, "With differing quarantine measures by country, employers are implementing various policies as they prepare to resume office attendance."
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