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Our Health Board signs TUC's Dying to Work Charter

Employee

Hywel Dda University Health Board has today (14th of February) become the latest employer to sign up to the TUC’s Charter aimed at helping employees who become terminally ill at work.

  • TUC Dying to Work Charter protects rights at work for those facing a terminal illness
  • Campaign began in 2016 following Derbyshire sales manager losing her job after cancer diagnosis
  • Over 1 million workers in the UK now covered by the Charter.

The Dying to Work campaign is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers and offers them additional employment protections when they need them the most. The campaign was taken forward by the TUC following the case of Jacci Woodcook, an area sales manager from Derbyshire who was forced out of her job after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

The TUC is asking employers to sign up to its charter to stop cases like Jacci’s happening in the future.

The Dying to Work Charter now covers over a million workers across the private and public sector including well know employers such as Rolls Royce, the Royal Mail and a number of Welsh local authorities.

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Deputy CEO, Dr Phil Kloer, said: “This is a very positive step forward in supporting our staff when they need it most. We are proud to sign up to this Charter today which will strengthen our values as an organisation and as an employer.”

Wales TUC’s Dying to Work Lead Gareth Hathway said: “Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis.

“It’s fantastic to see trade unions and employers working in partnership to protect the 10,000 employees at Hywel Dda University Health Board. The charter will be a great comfort to those who need it and their families.”

Sandra Watson, RCN Wales Representative said: “The Royal College of Nursing is proud to be a part of this charter. Our participation demonstrates our total dedication to all our staff and their life circumstances. It is imperative that people feel valued and supported in their workplace. We are extremely pleased that Hywel Dda University Health Board has signed up to the charter and we would encourage all employers to join us.” 

Nadia Probert, UNISON branch secretary said: “I am very pleased the health board is working with the trade unions and is backing Wales TUC’s campaign to better support the rights of workers following a terminal diagnosis.

“Employers have a duty of care to their workforce and we hope others will follow Hywel Dda’s example and sign up to the charter too.”

NOTES:

  1. A list of Charter signatories can be found here: https://www.dyingtowork.co.uk/whos-signed/
  1. The TUC Dying to Work Voluntary Charter states:
  • We recognise that terminal illness requires support and understanding and not additional and avoidable stress and worry.
  • Terminally ill workers will be secure in the knowledge that we will support them following their diagnosis and we recognise that safe and reasonable work can help maintain dignity, offer a valuable distraction and can be therapeutic in itself.
  • We will provide our employees with the security of work, peace of mind and the right to choose the best course of action for themselves and their families which helps them through this challenging period with dignity and without undue financial loss.
  • We support the TUC’s Dying to Work campaign so that all employees battling terminal illness have adequate employment protection and have their death in service benefits protected for the loved ones they leave behind.
  1. More information about the Dying to Work campaign can be found at www.dyingtowork.co.uk