There are “no plans” to make covid-19 vaccination compulsory for health service staff in Scotland, the Scottish government has confirmed.

In England the health secretary Sajid Javid said he is “leaning towards” mandatory jabs for NHS staff though a final decision is yet to be made.

Reports suggest 88% of healthcare workers in England are fully vaccinated.

A consultation on the proposals, which could also extend to flu, closed last week.

Mr Javid said the changes were driven by patient safety concerns and said the move would bring the health service in line with care homes in England.

From 11^th November residential care staff will have to be double-vaccinated, despite concerns from providers this could worsen retention challenges.

The Scottish government has defended an approach based on encouragement rather than compulsion.

In Scotland 100% of care home staff have received two vaccine doses, according to Public Health Scotland figures.

This compares to 93.8% of frontline health workers and 87% of social care staff.

A Scottish government spokeswoman said there had been no change in its position.

“We do not think such a step is necessary at this time given the large uptake we’ve seen in Scotland. Health and social care workers have been among those prioritised for the vaccine, with the overwhelming majority taking it up,” they said.

“We continue to work with health boards to further encourage acceptance of the vaccination offer.”

Read more: Staff isolation changes to be used “in extremis”; NHS board asks relatives to help “free up” beds; Private care homes set out covid inquiry demands

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