4 March 2005 - Employers Failing Cancer
Sufferers says CancerBACUP Survey
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A survey undertaken by cancerBACUP has shown that many of the
90,000 working age people diagnosed with having cancer every year are being
forced to leave their employ through lack of practical policies, information and
support from their employers.
The report, "Work and Cancer. How cancer affects
working lives", highlights the problems of financial stability and negative
impact on employment patterns.
Some of the findings from the respondents within the report are
as follows:
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31% do not return to work after treatment.
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61% experience financial difficulties.
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41% say overall working life had deteriorated.
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37% say their career prospects had deteriorated.
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25% had fear of disclosing their cancer to new employers.
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Almost one third had lost confidence in their abilities within
their jobs.
Also within the report, produced by cancerBACUP were the
following figures as to employer management in helping cancer sufferers return
to work:
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Less than half employers offered adjustments or flexibility
policies within their jobs.
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More than one third had no offer of return to work meeting.
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Less than one in five had been offered information about the
management of cancer at work.
Joanne Rule, Chief Executive of cancerBACUP commented:
"There is a culture of ignorance among employers about the
true needs of employees with cancer.
"Those in charge of organisations may have good intentions but don’t realise
that people with cancer need more than the support of line managers and
colleagues if they are to feel confident about continuing or returning to work
following treatment.
"Flexible working, return to work policies and the provision of high quality
information and support must be enshrined in organisational policy and
championed by senior managers.
"Employers who ignore this advice will miss out on a wealth of knowledge and
skills. In an age when increasing numbers of people are being cured of cancer or
living with it, the impact on business is only likely to increase.
"Organisations must make sure they understand their
obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act. They should be aware that
soon most cancer patients are likely to be protected from discrimination from
diagnosis and they should communicate this to all staff".
Mr. Bert Massie, Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission
said:
"This is a powerful report. In common with other people with
long-term health conditions many people with cancer want to continue to work or
get back into work after treatment but face unnecessary barriers. It is possible
for employers to retain the skills and expertise of people with cancer if they
make the necessary adjustments – to do so also boosts productivity and staff
morale. People with cancer and employers alike need more effective support to
manage cancer in the workplace".
The full report from cancerBACUP can be accessed by clicking the
following:
Work and Cancer. How cancer affects working lives
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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