The United Kingdom has reported a further 76,807 new coronavirus infections and 297 deaths in the past 24 hours, the latest data reveals.

This comes even as NHS staff protested against COVID vaccine rules, at Trafalgar Square in London on Saturday.

Addressing the media, Matthew Taylor, chief executive of NHS Confederation, said there is vaccine hesitancy among NHS staff just like there is in the general public.

He added that the NHS needed "more time" to persuade those are not vaccinated in getting a jab. 

It comes after the government said it was considering pausing plans for compulsory jabs over fears of losing 70,000 NHS workers.

(With input from agencies)