An estimated 20,000 of those who are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK will face discrimination in their workplace, according to new research released by Macmillan Cancer Support.
The research, which explores the impact of cancer on working life, found that nearly a fifth of people (18%) who return to work after being diagnosed with cancer say they faced discrimination from their employer or colleagues.
In addition:
- more than a third (35%) report other negative experiences, such as feeling guilty for having to take time off for medical appointments and a loss of confidence in their ability to do their job;
- 1 in 7 (15%) say they returned to work ‘before they felt ready’; and
- 14% of people give up work altogether or are made redundant as a result of their diagnosis.
Macmillan that employers must offer better support to the growing number of people with cancer in the workplace.
It says that it is vital that employers fulfil their legal obligations to make reasonable adjustments which could enable employees with cancer to stay in or return to work if they want to.
The charity is also calling on employers to make sure that they have appropriate policies in place and that their HR and line managers have the skills to support staff affected by cancer.
The Macmillan At Work scheme as well as offering a free toolkit, resources and advice, the charity gives specialist training sessions for line managers and HR professionals to help make supporting staff as easy and rewarding as possible.
For further information see www.macmillan.org.uk/aboutus/news/latest_news/1-in-5-people-who-return-to-work-after-cancer-face-discrimination.aspx