Print this page
Rapid testing can assist with business shortages
0 comment

Rapid testing can assist with business shortages

Rapid testing for those who are unvaccinated should be considered to avoid workforce shortages in the region, says Nationals MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.
“I have been contacted by a number of business owners from across the electorate who have raised concerns over losing staff they cannot replace, due to vaccination status. In many cases it has put the future of the business in doubt.
“While we have hit over 95% first dose and over 75% fully vaccinated and this level of uptake is pleasing, there is still clearly a number who are choosing not get the jab.
“That is individual choice, but the impact is staff shortages in industries that were already facing struggles to obtain workers; hospitality and construction being at the forefront.
“To avoid these businesses going to the wall, I would like to think rapid testing on a regular basis could be permitted. It would keep people in employment and businesses open, at least in the short term,” he said.
Mr Bull said he supported vaccination and mandatory vaccination for those sectors that deal with the vulnerable in the community, but mandatory vaccination across all sectors was causing pain for businesses and individuals.
“We have rapid testing as an option that can be used to assist and New South Wales has already announced that from December 1, government regulations will not differentiate between vaccinated and unvaccinated residents.
“Rather than this hard and fast rule of be vaccinated or you’re out of work and business owners suffer as well, alternatives must be considered,” he said.

Tuesday, 19 October 2021