Cancer`s not fair but your boss has to be

If you have or have had cancer, you are protected by law from unfair treatment at work. This means that it's unlawful for an employer to treat you less favourably (discriminate against you) because of your cancer.

Under equalities law your employer should try to support you. This includes making changes (known as reasonable adjustments) to help you stay in or return to work when you are ready and able to.

To find out more about your rights, download our short guide

Download our step-by-step guide to help you find the words to talk to your employer.

85% of people with cancer who were working when diagnosed say it is important to them to continue to work after their cancer diagnosis. There are not only financial and social benefits of being in work, but there is also strong evidence to suggest that working is a key driver for well being. Remaining in or returning to work can help promote recovery and rehabilitation, and lead to better health outcomes. In many cases, however, it is not the effects of the illness or its treatment that stops people with cancer from returning to work, but an absence of the right support. A consequence of this is that many people with cancer fall out of work unnecessarily. We’ve found that having discussions about work early on can be vital in avoiding problems at a later stage.

Tameside and Glossop Macmillan Information and Support services are here to talk if you have questions about work, your rights at work & the support available.

We’ve also introduced a new telephone service, the Work Support Service, which offers direct access to trained work support advisers who can help with questions about legal rights, talking to employers, work adjustments and information to help make decisions around staying in, or returning to work after cancer. The service can also provide access to one-off legal advice for customers.

The service is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm and can be reached on 0808 808 00 00