Italy became the first European country to make a vaccine passport system compulsory for all workers.

Proof of vaccination, a negative test or recent recovery from infection must be provided or staff will be suspended without pay and face a fine.

The law set to apply to both public and private employees from today, 15 October.

“Nothing like this has been done in Europe... we are putting ourselves in the forefront internationally”, - said public administration minister Renato Brunetta.