THOUSANDS of care home staff have until tomorrow to get double-jabbed — or be fired.
The number of unvaccinated workers has dropped from 88,000 to 32,000 since the mandatory vaccination policy was announced in the summer.
But bosses yesterday warned social care could be plunged into crisis if those unjabbed staff walk out.
They said hundreds of homes could be forced to close due to mass staff shortages — with one saying around 15,000 residents would be left homeless.
And Mike Padgham, who runs Saint Cecilia’s Care Group, in Scarborough, North Yorks, called it the “worst crisis I’ve seen in 30 years in the sector”.
He said: “Several hundred homes may have to close their doors because they don’t have enough staff to operate safely. Where will those thousands of residents go?
“They can’t go into hospitals and they can’t live in their own homes without care.
“Why not let us get through the winter and give people a little longer to choose to be vaccinated?”
But TV doctor Rachel Ward, a GP from West Berks, said: “Ensuring all care home workers are vaccinated adds in an extra layer of defence when it comes to protecting vulnerable residents from being infected.
“As a care worker, it is crucial you are vaccinated to protect yourself and those you care for this winter.
“It is safe and effective.”
