When to tell work about illness?

[deacondeep]

A friend has lots of anxieties and uncertainties at the moment – wants to be upfront with people but doesn't want to make himself less employable! Wondered what other people’s experience have been.

[Billculbard]

Hi. One of these things that's up to the individual, I think. I kept things quiet until it was 100% certain that I had cancer, then let the 'news' slip out gradually. I was lucky and my employers were totally supportive. Frequently, it becomes quite obvious that a person is unable to give 100% at work and when it gets to this stage, I think it's time to speak with bosses. I'm sure Roy Castle staff can give confidential advice here. Bill

[loopyloo]

hi deacondeep, I did confide in my manager but asked if it could be kept quiet. I'm glad I did tell her as she was very understanding when I had to reduce my hours.

[Robertlowe]

Hope this might help.

CANCER (YOUR RIGHTS)

As a patient, there are certain things you're entitled to - your confidentiality must be respected within the NHS, and you should have open access to information about services, treatment, and performance. There are also things you can do to help those helping you.

bbc.co.uk/health/support/ca...

As an employee

Working people diagnosed with cancer have rights to protect them in their work. Most employers will hold open your job if you're having treatment for cancer, but it may depend on your particular contract of employment.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you are protected by the

Disability Discrimination Act.

You are entitled to:

Not tell your employers that you're having tests for cancer or that you have cancer. However if you don’t tell your employer, and the cancer and its treatment affect your ability to do your job, this could cause problems. In addition, 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. Expect your employer to make reasonable adjustment to help you if you wish to continue work. Your employer may ask for your permission to write to your doctor or a medical professional to get their advice on what might help but they can’t do this without your permission.

Challenge your dismissal as unfair, if you are dismissed because of your health. You may be able to claim for unfair dismissal if you have 12 months or more continuous service with your employer, but this doesn’t apply to casual workers, agency workers, self-employed contractors, apprentices, or people on work experience.

If you're at all concerned about how your health might affect your work, you may want to take advice from one of the organisations listed on this site.

You can also contact Macmillan’s cancer support specialists for more information on 0808 800 00 00. Macmillan can also send you a booklet on work and cancer which provides information on work issues and employment rights for people with cancer.