Talking to your employer about your cancer

Many people worry about telling their employer that they have been diagnosed with cancer and need to have treatment. You may worry that your employer might not support you and that they may be prejudiced or discriminate against you.

Some people worry that their employer will sack them or find an excuse to make them redundant if they say that they have cancer. However, employers should not do this and research has shown that it very rarely happens.

Anyone who has or has ever had cancer is protected by the Disability Discrimination Act, which prevents employers discriminating| against people with a disability.

The Act states that employers are expected to make reasonable adjustments to support employees in the workplace. You may be able to suggest adjustments that could help support you.

Although it helps to tell your employer that you have cancer, you don’t have to do so by law. However, if you don’t tell your employer that you have cancer, and the cancer and its treatment affect your ability to do your job, this could cause problems. In extreme cases, it may lead to disciplinary action being taken against you.

Also, if your employer doesn’t know about your cancer and its effects, they are not required by law to make any necessary adjustments for you at work.

To consider any reasonable adjustments, your employer may ask for your permission to write to your doctor or a medical professional to get their advice on what might help. Your employer can’t do this without your permission. You have the right to see any medical report before it is sent to them.

If your employer knows that you have cancer they can help you by providing support and giving you information about your rights. They can also make sure that you have time off if you need it and that you get all the financial help and benefits you are entitled to. You can talk directly to your employer, your human resources manager or occupational health department, your trade union, or all four.

If carrying on as normal is important for you, you should say this to your employer so that they can support you in continuing with your work. However, if you can’t go on working normally because of the cancer or its treatment, then let your employer know. Arrangements can then be made to alter your work or give you time off if necessary.