Australia’s largest insurers are urging eligible staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and some say they might participate in an employer-assisted vaccine roll-out, as locked-down Sydney targets high levels of protection.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today said her government is assessing a policy that would allow vaccinated employees to return to work, while Victoria-based fruit and vegetable processor SPC plans to mandate vaccines for all onsite staff and visitors.

Suncorp CEO Steve Johnston told insuranceNEWS.com.au the insurer is “strongly advocating” for vaccines as “our ticket to a more ‘normal’ existence”.

Mr Johnston, who has himself received two doses of AstraZeneca, says Suncorp is “doing everything possible to support and encourage our employees to play their part and get vaccinated”.

“We are working with health officers to answer any questions our people may have, ultimately enabling the continued vaccine rollout,” he said.

“Our people have access to paid leave to be able to get vaccinated during work hours. We will consider playing a role in employer-assisted vaccine roll-out if this becomes possible, guided by the Australian and New Zealand Governments and in partnership with appropriate healthcare providers.”

Allianz says it is “actively encouraging” all of its people to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and also offers flexible work options for employees to attend an appointment during work hours.

“We’ve also registered our interest with Australian Vaccine Services to participate in a corporate vaccination program, should that option become available,” a spokesman said.

Allianz has introduced a pandemic leave policy giving employees access to paid leave if they have exhausted all of their personal/carer’s leave and family and emergency leave but are unable to work due to a range of COVID complications.

In June IAG introduced new measures to support employees, including special paid leave to attend COVID-19 vaccination appointments during work hours.

“Our employees can take a half day paid leave for each of their COVID-19 vaccination appointments,” a spokesman said.

“We’re supportive of the vaccination effort and we will continue to look at ways we can help with this.”

Broker Marsh says it is encouraging all eligible staff to get vaccinated, while Willis Towers Watson says vaccination protects “family, friends and colleagues”.

“WTW is strongly encouraging all colleagues to get vaccinated once eligible to do so as we recognise vaccination is an important way we can slow COVID-19 cases,” Head of Australasia and Head of Corporate Risk and Broking Simon Weaver said.

“As securing vaccination appointments can be challenging in some Australian locations, colleagues are being afforded flexibility to attend appointments as and when possible.”