The health secretary has said he is “leaning towards” making the COVID-19 vaccine compulsory for NHS staff.

Sajid Javid said the government is “considering” making the vaccine mandatory for the roughly 100,000 NHS staff who are yet to get it following the recent closure of a consultation into the matter.

He told Sky News’ Kay Burley: “We’ve yet to make a final decision, but I’m leaning towards doing it.”

Addressing concerns there is already a shortage of NHS staff, the health secretary said the threat of not being able to work without getting vaccinated would make them have the jab.

The government has already made the vaccine mandatory for staff in the care sector, where Mr Javid said there has been a big uptake since the rule came into law.

He added that it is an issue of patient safety and most countries in Europe have already made the vaccine mandatory for healthcare staff.

When asked if a mandate could come in soon, Mr Javid said it would not be very soon but would “not be months and months”.

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