A letter from chief executive Andy Penn to all staff released said that when COVID first hit Australians came together as one team to stop the spread. 

The vaccination will still be voluntary for Telstra staff but will increase the pressure on other corporates to offer similar incentives after the Federal Government rejected Labor’s idea of a $300 incentive.

The incentive will be in the form of Appreciate points which can be redeemed at retailers like Woolworths and Myer.

“By coming together again now and choosing to take action we can all play our part and make a difference,’’ Penn said.

 “Getting vaccinated will make an incredible difference – we can protect each other, lessen the financial hardship on families, and turnaround the toll on our wellbeing caused by the uncertainty and isolation from rolling lockdowns. 

“I’ve had the jab and I know many of you have as well, but it is something I urge all of you to do, as soon as you can. This is our best shot to get back to some sort of normality.

“That is why we have decided to reward our employees, starting in Australia, who get fully vaccinated with 200 Appreciate points (the equivalent of A$200), so you in turn can reward yourself for taking this step.

“This is voluntary and will be applied retrospectively so anyone who has already been vaccinated will also receive these points. 

The scheme will be available until December 31.