In an Australian first, manufacturer SPC will mandate that all of its staff must be fully vaccinated by the end of November to enter any location
It’s a leaf out of the U.S book, following big tech companies allowing only vaccinated employees into US Offices.
Alphabet Inc.’s Google and Facebook Inc. said on Wednesday all U.S. employees must get vaccinated to step into offices. Google is also planning to expand its vaccination drive to other countries in the coming months
How will SPC vaccinate staff before year-end?
It may seem to be a common trend in the U.S. but this is a first for Australia.
SPC is a leading producer of premium packaged fruit in Australia.
SPC’s said the company recognises the significant threat the COVID-19 Delta variant poses to both the business and the broader Australian community.
“A fully vaccinated workforce will ensure that SPC can continue to deliver an essential service while helping Australia return to an open economy in line with the Prime Minister’s four-point plan out of COVID,” Australia’s #1 producer of premium packaged fruit said in a statement on Thursday.
All SPC staff, including casual and permanent staff as well as contractors, must have at least the first dose of the vaccine scheduled by September 15 2021, with the first dose administered by the end of October.
Any visitors to an SPC site will also be required to be vaccinated.
SPC Chairman, Hussein Rifai, said lockdowns are not a sustainable solution and the Australian economy needs to open up again.
“The Delta variant poses a significant threat to our people, our customers and the communities we serve. The only path forward for our country is through vaccination,
RIFAI SAID.
Bold new plans to get Aussies vaccinated by Christmas
Australia’s vaccination rollout coordinator has unveiled a bold new strategy that would see 80 per cent of the country’s residents fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by December.
The latest statistics show that 80 per cent of the eligible population could receive both doses by the year’s end, with 70 per cent protected by November.
It comes as the Federal government calls for an elevated level of collaboration and cooperation across the country to increase the speed of the rollout.
Sydney is currently in its sixth week of strict stay-at-home orders – with the state’s premier previously flagging that vaccines may be the only option to bring the Delta variant under control.
It follows the national cabinet meeting to endorse a plan that would see Australia begin to move into a pandemic “consolidation” phase following 80 per cent of the eligible population being vaccinated.
Should companies be mandating vaccines?
“As a Company, we believe it is the right thing to do and we must go further to minimise risk and to protect the people we care about from the Delta variant,” said Rifai.
SPC CEO, Robert Giles, said Australian companies must go further by rapidly vaccinating their staff.
“By taking proactive steps now, we are shoring up our Company for the future. We firmly believe that it will be manufacturers and innovators like SPC who will help drive Australia’s post-COVID economic recovery,” Giles said.
All staff will be aided and offered compensation via paid time off when required to receive their vaccinations as well as special paid leave of up to 2 days for any staff who may become unwell after vaccination.
For those with a pre-existing condition and are unable to receive the vaccine their circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis.
Fed’s Waller hints at July rate cut, boosting investor sentiment; Trump imposes 50% tariff on Brazil, provoking minimal market response.
Fed Governor Christopher Waller, tipped as a possible next Chair, signalled a July rate cut is on the table, calling current policy “too tight.” That’s been enough to supercharge investor sentiment.
Meanwhile, Trump has slapped a surprise 50% tariff on Brazil, sparking political tension. Brazil’s President responded with tough talk on “sovereignty,” but markets barely blinked, the Brazilian real dropped just 1%.
Trump’s 50% copper import tariff aims to strengthen U.S. manufacturing, impacting global supply chains and Chile significantly.
President Donald Trump has unveiled plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports, a move set to rattle global supply chains and redraw the industrial map.
The tariff will hit within weeks, with Chile, the world’s largest copper exporter, expected to bear the brunt.
While Australia’s direct copper trade with the US is limited, analysts say the real message is strategic: the US is reinforcing its domestic manufacturing power.
RBA surprises with decision to maintain interest rates at 3.85%, impacting economic forecasts and housing market activity.
In Short:
The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept its cash rate at 3.85% despite concerns from the Housing Industry Association about its impact on new home construction. Although inflation is within target and there’s some market confidence, households are under financial strain amidst economic uncertainties.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has decided to maintain the cash rate at 3.85% following a split vote of six to three. This unexpected decision comes as the Housing Industry Association warns that these rates remain restrictive, potentially hindering new home building.
Senior economist Tom Devitt stated that the rates will delay necessary building activity but noted improved market confidence following previous rate cuts.
Current inflation data shows the RBA’s preferred measure has been declining and remains within the target range. However, household spending is under strain, with Australia experiencing a per capita recession since mid-2022.
Labour costs
The RBA’s decision was influenced by concerns over productivity growth and high unit labour costs, affecting its inflation outlook. While some economists anticipated a rate cut, the RBA opted for caution due to economic uncertainties, both domestically and internationally.
The bank acknowledged gradual recovery in private demand and household incomes but highlighted ongoing challenges in passing cost increases to final prices.
Despite the hold on rates, price rises in essentials like petrol continue to impact Australian households. The RBA emphasized the need for ongoing assessment before making future rate changes, suggesting a careful approach in response to evolving economic conditions.