IAG has introduced "compulsory COVID vaccination" for on-site workers in New Zealand, and says similar measures will apply in high risk locations in Australia until the end of the year.

The strong stance comes as the issue develops into a key focus for insurance sector employers, as governments ease pandemic restrictions while introducing rules to manage the ongoing presence of COVID-19.

In Australia, IAG says people in regions considered higher risk can work from home until the end of the year, but if they want to attend an office they will need to be fully vaccinated or meet relevant state government criteria.

The insurer says its approach to the safe return of employees to worksites throughout the pandemic will continue to be guided by the latest government health orders and safety advice.

“Between now and the end of the year, we have made it a requirement for our employees to be fully vaccinated to enter any of our worksites in areas we consider to be higher risk, NSW, Victoria and the ACT, so it’s a condition of entry at these sites,” a spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“There’s no change for low-risk areas such as WA, SA and Queensland, but we’ll continue to monitor the latest government orders and health and safety advice.”

IAG says it's intended people will combine returning to offices and working from home next year, as a flexible approach is maintained amid the unknowns associated with the pandemic. The firm has provided special leave for vaccinations and says almost 90% of its people have had one or two jabs or intend to be vaccinated.

In New Zealand, the insurer says it has introduced compulsory COVID-19 vaccination measures for employees who work from IAG offices, its other worksites and external locations where personnel interact with customers, partners, suppliers and other people as part of their roles.

“As the pandemic continues to evolve, there is no question that vaccination is the best way to keep everyone safe in the short and long-term,” IAG CEO New Zealand Amanda Whiting said. “We want to do our bit for New Zealand.”

Allianz says it’s encouraging all its people to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and offers leave and flexible work options to allow appointments to be made during work hours.

“Right now, in line with public health orders, any person entering any Allianz office in NSW or Victoria is required to be fully vaccinated. This applies to all Allianz employees, contractors, as well as any external visitors,” Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Nicholas Scofield said.

Victoria has said that from October 29 unvaccinated or partially vaccinated workers in most cases may only work outside their homes if their roles can’t be performed from home.

NSW work rules that changed on October 11 said “if you are not fully vaccinated your employer must require you to work from home unless it is not reasonably practicable to do so”.

The NSW Government today said it had accelerated a further easing of rules for those who are fully vaccinated, bringing forward changes scheduled for December 1 to next Monday.