The Home Office launched a new visa scheme on an emergency basis which came into effect at 4.00 pm on 11 October 2021. It allows poultry workers and haulage drivers of food goods to come to the UK temporarily on the Seasonal Worker route in response to the potential reduced availability of some food products in the run-up to Christmas.

Poultry workers must apply by 15 November 2021 and, if successful, the visa will last until 31 December 2021.

HGV drivers must apply by 1 December 2021 and, if successful, the visa will last until 28 February 2022.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-cp-542-11-october-2021

The UK recorded 1.2 million job vacancies in September, the highest number since records began in 2001, according to ONS statistics for July to September 2021.

The retail and motor vehicle repair sectors recorded the biggest increase in vacancies. Other sectors included accommodation and food services, professional activities and manufacturing.

The latest estimates suggest all sectors have at least as many jobs available now as before COVID-19.

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-labour-market-october-2021

On 19 October 2021, the Department of Health and Social Care updated its guidance on the procedure that care home workers in England should use to apply for proof that they are medically exempt from a COVID-19 vaccination.

The procedure applies to any individual who is unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, and is not limited to care home workers. If an application for exemption is granted, the individual will be able to use the NHS COVID Pass to prove their COVID-19 status in England. The temporary self-certification procedure for care home workers is due to end on 24 December 2021. From 25 December 2021, those who are medically exempt will need to verify their status using the NHS COVID Pass in the same way as those who are fully vaccinated.

To apply for an exemption, a medical exemption application form can be obtained by calling the NHS COVID Pass service on 119. It cannot be obtained from a GP. The possible reasons for medical exemption are limited but, if eligible, the form must be sent to the GP for review. If approved, the applicant will receive the result automatically by post within two to three weeks.

The NHS COVID Pass will look and work the same for people with medical exemptions as it will for people who are fully vaccinated. It will not show that the user has a medical exemption. But, alongside the NHS COVID Pass, the individual will receive a confirmation letter which explains that they are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons. The Exemptions guidance states that they must keep this letter and use it if they work or volunteer in a care home after 11 November 2021.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vaccination-of-people-working-or-deployed-in-care-homes-operational-guidance