LONDON (Reuters] – Next, a British fashion retailer, has announced that it will reduce sick pay for staff members who have not been vaccinated but must isolate themselves due to COVID-19.

A spokesperson said that although it is highly emotional, the company must balance its needs with the interests of shareholders and workers.

Unvaccinated workers will continue to receive Next’s sick pay at the full rate if they are positive, he said.

Next is following a similar move made by Ikea furniture retailer.

The COVID regulations in England for those who had been vaccinated were eased last month so that they didn’t have to isolate themselves if they were exposed.

The guidance was not changed for those who contact positive cases of COVID-19, but they were still expected to isolate themselves for at least 10 days following their exposure.

Next’s policy shift could see unvaccinated employees who have been identified as close relatives of someone suffering from COVID being required to be isolated. They may receive no more than the minimum Statutory Sick Payment of 96.35 Pounds ($132.43) per week.

British companies have sofar avoided the strict stance that American companies took regarding workers’ vaccine status.

A growing number of U.S. businesses have adopted vaccine requirements in order to safeguard employees and prevent operations from being interrupted by large-scale staff absenteeisms.

Next’s full-year profit outlook was raised last week for the fifth time in ten months, after exceeding guidance in sales for the lead-up to Christmas.

($1 = 0.7275 pounds)