Finding a new job after cancer

If you gave up your job and want to work again, you will need to think about what to tell future employers about your illness. If a job application form, or the person who interviews you, asks for details about any condition which may affect your ability to do the job in question, you must answer honestly. If it was discovered that you had not given information about the fact that you had cancer, your employer could dismiss you for giving false answers. However, under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, employers cannot refuse to offer a person a job solely because that person has had cancer.

You will need to prepare truthful answers that emphasise the success of your treatment, and your ability to do the job you have applied for. It is helpful to take some time to think about your previous jobs, your achievements and your experience, so that you can present those in the most positive way. You are still the same person, and there is no reason why you should be any less efficient. In fact, research has shown that people who have had treatment for cancer are as productive, or more productive, than people who have not had cancer. They also take less time off work than other employees. It may help to chat to your doctor to make sure that they feel that you are fit for the new job. The doctor may also be willing to give you a letter for the new employer to confirm this.

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau or the Equality and Human Rights Commission can also give you information about your employment rights.

If you go back to work and then realise within a few weeks that you have made a mistake, you should be able to claim benefits again if you need to. It is more difficult to claim benefit again however, if you have been back at work for more than eight weeks.