Dear Sir
The shocking impact that cancer can have on someoneís life at work is this week being highlighted by the charity Macmillan Cancer Support. As the UKís leading childrenís cancer charity, CLIC Sargent is happily backing this project.
CLIC Sargent wants to ensure that people caring for someone with cancer also have full rights at work. When a child is first born, parents are entitled to time off and other rights. But when a child has cancer and needs their parents most, such rights are not on offer.
In a survey of families, we found that parents caring for children with cancer are missing out at work: many resort to using their own holiday allowance or sick leave to care for their sick child; and some parents have had to give up work altogether.
Some employers have shown their courage in supporting parents caring for children with cancer, but others struggle to find practical ways of doing so. Taking this into account, we have developed a package of advice and practical tips for employers to them help reduce uncertainty for their organisation and for their employees.
Organisations that support carers at work can find there are wider benefits for them, including increased productivity, reduced sick leave, and increased staff retention.
CLIC Sargent is hoping to attend the CBIís annual conference next week. By talking directly to business leaders, we hope to show them how they can support their employees if they are affected by cancer.
The Government should lend its support to these businesses and their staff through its forthcoming Carers Strategy, so that all parents caring for a child with cancer can expect planned, paid leave and an entitlement to a career break.
Yours faithfully
Dr Carole Easton
Chief Executive
CLIC Sargent, the UKís leading childrenís cancer charity
Letter to the editor - Work and Canceer
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