If you decide not to work during treatment

Returning to work after treatment

It’s unlikely anyone will be able to tell you for sure what effect the cancer and its treatment will have on you. Many people find this hard to accept. If you’re not sure when you might be ready to get back to work, it’s okay to see how things go and to keep your options open. You may find returning to work helps you get back to normal.

There may be a temptation to push yourself too far, too quickly. For example, if you are a manual worker, perhaps a bricklayer or mechanic, you may be tempted to stretch yourself too far physically. Or if your work is office-based, you may feel as though you should work long hours in front of a computer to catch up with tasks you may have fallen behind with.

However, if you can, you should plan to return to work gradually. Try to decide what’s most important and just do those parts of your work until you feel stronger. Give yourself regular breaks – you can even schedule them into your diary as appointments.

If you’ve had treatment for a brain tumour, it will usually be at least a year before you will be allowed to drive again.

It helps to remember that your recovery may not always be straightforward. You may have some setbacks or your circumstances may change along the way, so try to remain flexible.

If you need to make adjustments to your workplace because of the effects of the cancer and its treatment, you may be eligible for financial help from the Access to Work scheme.

The scheme provides advice and support to meet any extra costs that arise because of your health needs.

How to contact Access to Work

If the cancer or another long-term health condition affects your work, get in touch with your regional Access to Work contact centre to check whether you are eligible for help. Centres can be found at direct.gov.uk/accesstowork| Alternatively, ask the disability employment adviser at your local Jobcentre.

There is a similar programme of the same name in Northern Ireland. Visit nidirect.gov.uk to find out more.

Protection from discrimination, harassment and victimisation

The Equality Act 2010 has replaced discrimination laws in England, Scotland and Wales – including the Disability Discrimination Act - bringing them together in one place.

The Disability Discrimination Act still protects people with a disability in Northern Ireland.

Under the Equality Act, it’s unlawful to discriminate against someone because of their disability. Everyone with cancer is classed as disabled under the act, from the time of diagnosis and then for the rest of their lives. The act includes protection for self-employed people against any discrimination, including cancer-related. It also protects you against harassment or victimisation when using goods and services, and education and transport.

You can find out more about The Equality Act 2010|.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has a helpline that can give you information and guidance about your rights as a person with a disability.

Giving up work for good

Some people choose to give up work completely when they’re diagnosed with cancer. This allows them to focus on the cancer and its treatment, and other aspects of their lives.

You’ll need to think carefully about the effect this may have on your finances. It’s important to get advice from an independent financial adviser. You’ll need to consider the money you’ll receive from a state or private pension, and from any other sources, such as savings, shares or benefits.

If you do decide to stop working, take time to think this through. Depending on your situation, you may be able to sell the business or transfer the ownership.

If you decide to close your business, you’ll need to take some important legal and financial steps. For example, if you stop trading you’ll have to inform Companies House and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)| straight away. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it may also help your finances. For example, if your income will be lower, you may be able to reduce your tax payments.

Other actions you may need to take would depend on whether you are a sole trader, a partner in a business or if you run a company with directors.

 If you employ staff or if you’re registered for VAT, you will have extra responsibilities. The procedures you need to carry out will also depend on whether you can pay off all your business debts.

It’s a good idea to ask a professional, such as an accountant, to guide you. You can look at theHMRC website and, in particular, its web page on closing and selling a business. There’s also useful information on the Business Link| website. 

You’ll also need to think about how you manage any jobs you’ve already agreed to do. For example, if you’ve promised to complete some work for a customer, can you get it done before you stop work? You may be able to recommend someone else to finish the job. It may be possible to claim on your business or professional insurance if you can’t fulfil a contract. If you’re worried about paying any money you owe for your business, you can get free and confidential advice from Business Debtline|.