There are times however when there is no effective treatment. In those cases, the worker and their families face huge emotional stress, fear, and possible financial concerns. The Dying To Work charter can help alleviate some of that stress and sets out an agreed way in which an employee should be treated and supported in the event of a terminal diagnosis.
The charter is about choice. It's about giving an individual options around how they want to proceed at work. In some cases, an individual will want to continue to work for as long as they can, for financial security or because work can be a helpful distraction from their illness. In other cases a person may decide that they do not want to work anymore and would rather spend their remaining time with family and friends, getting their affairs in order, or simply doing what they want. Whatever choice a person makes they should expect help and support from their employer.
Many employers across Wales have already signed the Dying to Work charter, demonstrating their commitment to support staff when they need it most.
Local authorities including Newport, Cardiff, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Caerphilly have signed up, as well as the likes of Santander, The Co-operative group and Royal Mail.
You can see if your workplace has signed up by visiting www.dyingtowork.co.uk and if they haven’t the website sets out how your union can help protect you and your colleagues.
For more information visit www.dyingtowork.co.uk