Awareness needed for workers with cancer

The proportion of people living with cancer who return successfully to work remains “disappointingly low”.

And many of those with advanced cancer are struggling to get appropriate return-to-work support, according to the Cancer and employment survey by the Institute of Employment Studies.

The study, undertaken in partnership with the Working With Cancer organisation that helps employees and employers to manage cancer in the workplace, surveyed over 1,200 people living with cancer.

The report finds that the proportion of cancer patients working full time when they receive a diagnosis takes a significant fall once their treatment is finished.

Yet the proportion who are the main income earners in their household remains very high.

This suggests most want to continue to work and, “for some, the financial pressure to remain at work can be significant”.

One-third of respondents did not phase their return to work and one-quarter had to take leave during their treatment.

“It is clear,” says the study, “that HR and occupational health professionals are not doing enough to raise awareness of the obligation to offer reasonable adjustments and a phased return to work and wider employment rights.”

However, nine in 10 respondents reported positive experiences of support from their employer and colleagues, with many having access to time off for medical appointments and flexible working.

https://www.employment-studies.co.uk/resource/cancer-and-employment-survey