Helping people with cancer back to work
Each year, more than an estimated 125,000
people of working age are diagnosed with
cancer in the UK.1 That’s why Macmillan Cancer
Support has developed workplace training,
guidance and resources to help managers and
HR professionals feel confident and equipped
to support employees affected by cancer. For
people with cancer, staying in or returning
to work can be hugely positive. But it can be
difficult to know how to support someone with
cancer at work.
Reasonable adjustments
Cancer is classed as a disability under the
Equality Act 2010 and the Disability Discrimination
Act 1995. That means employers are required to
make reasonable adjustments to make it easier
for someone with cancer to work if their location,
working arrangements or a lack of extra support
puts them at a substantial disadvantage. Cancer
and some cancer treatments can leave some
people with long-term side effects. Fatigue, pain
and depression are common ones, so reasonable
adjustments such as flexible working and giving
time off to attend medical appointments can make
a big difference to someone affected by cancer.
It’s important to remember that every person may
need different support. So how can employers
equip HR professionals and line managers to
provide the best individual support for staff they
manage, while following organisational policies?
Keep the conversation going
Often one of the biggest concerns can be
starting the initial conversation with someone
who has been diagnosed with cancer. Starting
conversations and keeping communication
channels open are key steps to help managers
gain an understanding of their individual needs
and the support they need in the workplace.
It’s also important to discuss arrangements for
keeping in touch with an employee before their
absence, and to maintain appropriate contact
with them during periods of sick leave.
Support for employers
Our support can help you understand the
impact of cancer on work, your legal obligations
to employees living with cancer and how to
start a conversation with someone affected by
cancer. It’s designed to help workplaces support
employees with a cancer diagnosis, or those
caring for someone with cancer.
Getting back to work during or after treatment
can mean so much to someone living with
cancer. Find out more about how Macmillan
at Work can prepare your staff to support them.
Sign up at macmillan.org.uk/atwork
Email us at workandcancer@macmillan.org.uk
Or call us on 020 7840 4725
1 Based on the number of newly diagnosed cases of all cancers per year (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) in people
aged 15 to 64, using the most recently available incidence data for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
England: 2017 (Office for National Statistics), Scotland: 2017 (Information Services Division Scotland), Northern Ireland:
2013-2017 (Northern Ireland Cancer Registry), Wales: 2016 (Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit.).
Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604).
Also operating in Northern Ireland. Please recycle. MAC15903_032019
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