Eateries 'won't Force Staff To Get Jabs': Simon Wong

The president of the Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, Simon Wong, has dismissed concerns that some employees in the catering sector would face the sack if they don't get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The government earlier announced that social distancing rules at restaurants could be further relaxed later this month if all staff members have been inoculated, raising concerns among workers that they might come under pressure over the issue.

Wong said restaurant staff could make a self-declaration if they're not fit to receive the jabs, and rejected suggestions that employers would fire workers if they didn't get inoculated.

"If they're not suitable to take the vaccine then they can still use the previous measures," he said, noting that this included getting tested for coronavirus every two weeks.

On Friday, a local restaurant chain came under fire after admitting that it had asked staff to get vaccinated against Covid-19 or face suspension.

The U-Banquet group said almost 90 percent of its workers had been - or soon would be - inoculated.

The group's chair, Cheung Ka-ho, said it was his firm's social responsibility to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

But union leader, Mung Siu-tat, accused the government and businesses of being unscrupulous in forcing workers to get vaccinated.

He said the Confederation of Trade Unions would make public a list of companies forcing staff to get jabs.