The NHS is recruiting easyJet cabin crew as vaccinators to support the nationwide roll-out
Cabin crew employed by airline giant easyJet are to be fast tracked in to assist with coronavirus vaccinations, it can be revealed.
The news follows on from easyJet’s recent offer of help to the UK Government. The NHS will now recruit easyJet cabin crew to support the NHS as part of the vital nationwide effort to distribute the coronavirus vaccine.
easyJet say their crew – mostly all furloughed since the start of the pandemic – have the “ideal skill set” to help with the vaccination programme.
Cabin crew who apply for the scheme will be fast tracked to become trained vaccinators at NHS vaccination centres across the country. They will undergo online training and “onsite immunisation training” to become fully-qualified in administering the vaccine.
easyJet employs over 3,000 cabin crew across the UK, with bases in London, Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast.
EasyJet employ 3,000 cabin crew across the UK. (Photo: Getty)In a statement, easyJet CEO Johan Lundgren said:
“We are delighted to be assisting the NHS in their efforts to protect the nation’s health and help to roll out this crucial vaccination programme.
“We are incredibly proud that once again our crew can help to support the NHS and that we can play our part for the nation at this time – and I know so many of them will step up to help at this challenging time for the country.
“The progress the country is making on the vaccination programme is an exciting and much-needed development. Once rolled out, it will enable normal life to return and is undoubtedly the key to unlocking travel again and enabling travel for work, to visit friends and family or for a much-needed holiday.
“We are pleased and proud to be able to play our part and stand by ready to support wherever else we can.”
The Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust is one of the first health trusts in England to enlist the support of easyJet staff. Chief Executive Elliot Howard-Jones said:
“We are all looking forward to welcoming some of first easyJet crew for further training to become highly-valued members of our Trust’s immunisation team. Their first-aid and caring skills will make them ideally suited to help deliver the huge task we currently face, to give those most at risk protection against the COVID-19 virus.
“On behalf of all the Trust and our patients we truly appreciate their support and look forward to beating this pandemic together.”
