Using the law to improve workplace experiences for people affected by cancer Liz Egan, Macmillan Cancer Support

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1 Using the law to improve workplace experiences for people affected by cancer Liz Egan, Macmillan Cancer Support 'Changes put in place meant I could return to work without compromising my health. (Julia, Teacher) All content of this Macmillan at Work pack is protected by copyright. Reproduction of any part of the copyright work is not permitted unless with the prior written authorisation of the owner. Macmillan Cancer Support 2014

2 750,000+ In the UK: Of the 2.5 million people living with cancer in the UK, one in three are of a working age More than 80% of people with cancer think it s important to continue to work BUT 47% of employees say their employer did not discuss sick pay entitlements, flexible working or adjustments Half of employees have no choice but to give up work or change their roles as a result of their diagnosis >80%

3 Cancer is classed as a disability under the Equality Act and Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland from the moment of diagnosis. It also applies even when there is no longer any evidence of the cancer. Carers have the right to request flexible working, emergency time off for dependents and are protected against discrimination.

4 Work Support service Reasonable adjustments Capability/problems coping with job Unhelpful/unsympathetic employer Discrimination Sickness absence Dismissal - worry about possibility Dismissal - actual/threatened Pay including holiday pay Consideration of options Flexible working/changes in hours Return to work/phased return Time off Redundancy Retirement - early/ill health

5 Personal gains Information and knowledge gains Value of the Work Support service Gains observed Greater confidence and assertiveness in tackling negative work situations and speaking to employers Receipt of validation and emotional support, reduced feelings of isolation Enhanced feelings of control and improved decision making Improved knowledge of legal position (e.g. covered by Equality Act) and employment rights Better able to negotiate procedures or processes Work situation gains Broader gains Understanding what could realistically be expected from their employer Confirmation that case suitable (or not suitable) for tribunal 25 per cent attribute work changes to their contact with WSS Service encouraged customers to take action: and thereby achieve positive changes most likely to lead to positive outcomes Using the service led directly to: 25 per cent staying in work when they would not have been able to before 22 per cent leaving work on their own terms 30 per cent experiencing reduced loss of income Contributes to Macmillan s outcomes (in relation to work) Pilot provides a unique service with clear perceived added value

6 If you are working and have cancer, your employer should try to help and support you. Where reasonable they should make changes to let you do your job during and after your cancer treatment

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