Employment Rights: Terminal Illness

She commends the hon. Member for Corby and East Northamptonshire for raising this important issue and asks whether there should be workplace protection for parents of children with terminal diagnoses, as they often have to leave their work to care for their children.

Mr. Clive Jones highlighted the inadequacy of statutory sick pay for people undergoing cancer treatment, noting that upwards of 30,000 individuals receive only £23 a day in income during their treatment. He cited increased financial burdens such as travel costs of nearly £700 extra per month and significant additional expenses on food, childcare, and energy. Jones also discussed the severe cost-of-living issues affecting cancer patients, including cases where people cut back on basic necessities due to financial strain. Furthermore, he addressed a critical issue concerning young cancer patients who may not meet eligibility criteria for certain benefits despite their confirmed diagnosis, leading to delays in accessing essential support.

He thanked his hon. Friend for the work done on the campaign across the midlands and the country, highlighting the volume of workers now protected as a testament to the hon. Friend's hard work. He asked whether the House of Commons, House of Lords, and Government Departments have signed up to the campaign and offered assistance in ensuring their participation.

He praised Jacci Woodcock for founding the Dying to Work campaign and highlighted that only a third of UK organisations have specific provisions for those with terminal illnesses. He mentioned the financial worries faced by families, noting that 37% of cancer patients experience discrimination upon returning to work. Smith suggested improving information availability on diagnosis and encouraging employers to develop best practices and training for employees diagnosed with terminal illnesses.

A number of employers might either not have a policy or simply be unaware, for some reason, of the need to be more empathetic with people who find themselves in such a horrendously difficult position. The debate can raise awareness and hopefully bring action from Government Departments and employers.

He congratulated his hon. Friend on years of work on the issue, expressing concern about the six-month rule for determining terminal illness, which he found stressful as it forces individuals to seek confirmation from their doctor that they will not survive beyond six months. Ian Lavery discussed his personal experience with a family member diagnosed with terminal cancer. He argued that employers should not be able to dismiss employees on grounds of capability when they are terminally ill, advocating for this right to be enshrined in law. He also raised concerns about the stress caused by seeking proof from doctors that an employee will die within six months.

Mr. Shannon highlighted the need for government support and advocated for Marie Curie's work, citing their report on financial insecurity among those dying in poverty, noting that 111,000 people die in poverty each year with working-age individuals being at higher risk. He emphasized the importance of employment policies for terminal illness sufferers to ensure they can continue working without barriers and stressed the need for strengthened employment rights and improved welfare support.

Mr. Turner thanked the midlands TUC and GMB for their work on championing rights for terminally ill workers, highlighting that there are weaknesses in the Equality Act 2010. He noted that while some terminally ill workers fall under the definition of disability, others do not, creating a need to revisit the Equality Act. Mr. Turner suggested bringing in regulations and updating guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission to clarify employer responsibilities towards terminally ill employees.

Mrs. Collinge highlighted the injustice of legal dismissals based on capability for individuals with terminal illnesses, emphasizing the importance of financial security and job stability during such times. She acknowledged the Dying to Work campaign's success but argued for mandatory protections rather than relying on voluntary charters due to disparities in employer responses. She cited local statistics indicating that over 25% of her constituency's workforce are employed in precarious industries like retail and hospitality, underscoring the need for robust job security measures.

Melanie Onn highlighted the work of Richard Oliver from the GMB trade union, who introduced her to Jacci Woodcock's Dying to Work campaign. She noted that Jacci's efforts have improved working conditions for over 1.5 million people in difficult circumstances. In Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, St Andrew's Hospice signed the Dying to Work charter, which provides reassurance and flexibility to its staff and patients.

The MP thanked Lee Barron for securing the debate and highlighted Jacci Woodcock's campaign, which aimed to give terminally ill workers rights in the workplace. The MP expressed concern over the lack of support provided by employers to those diagnosed with terminal illnesses, advocating that workers should have the choice to continue working if they wish.

The MP declared an interest as a member of the Justice Committee and solicitor. She explained the 'Dying to Work' campaign's impact, noting that over 1.5 million workers have employers who have committed to the charter. The MP discussed how the Equality Act 2010 protects disabled employees, including those with terminal illnesses, from discrimination and requires reasonable adjustments to retain them in employment.