Help to return to work
Many people of working age are affected by cancer, some people carry on working during treatment and others find that they need to take time off and may need to consider adjustments to their work responsibilities.
Being able to work can give us a sense of purpose and a routine, It’s generally good for us, but it is important to consider how cancer is affecting your health and well being and your ability to work effectively.
If you have questions and would like to talk about your work situation then please contact us in the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre to make an appointment (01206 745347).
The Benefits and Financial Support page of this website contains information and sources which could also be helpful to you and the Community Support page may also be of interest.
Other organisations that might be helpful
ACAS is the workplace expert for England, Wales and Scotland. They provide free and impartial advice for employers and employees, training and help resolve disputes.
Main website: www.acas.org.uk
Click here to access the webpage about ‘returning to work after an absence’.
Bowel Cancer UK
Click here to access general information about work following a cancer diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Now
Click here for information about breast cancer and employment.
Click here to access 5 top tips about returning to work after a cancer diagnosis and treatment, from a breast cancer patient.
Cancer Research UK
Click here to access their webpage about The Disability Discrimination Act, Equality Act and cancer.
Citizens Advice
Main national website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Section on Work: Work - Citizens Advice
Essex Law Clinic
(Based at the University of Essex) benefits the local community by offering free initial advice about legal problems while giving the University students the chance to work alongside practising lawyers to advise real clients. They offer clients an initial consultation to find out their legal position and advise them on what steps they can take to remedy the issues. They operate by appointment and an initial assessment, which is made by the Clinic Manager, in order to find out whether we can help. Clients are then asked to attend an appointment and bring with them all relevant documentation relating to their legal issue. All legal advice and assistance is given in the strictest confidence.
Website: www.essex.ac.uk/departments/law/essex-law-clinic
Tel: 01206 874429
Email: lawclinic@essex.ac.uk
Macmillan Cancer Support
There are a number of booklets produced by Macmillan Cancer Support that you can have to help you and your employer understand your disability rights as a cancer patient with guidance on reasonable adjustments and possible options for you.
Click here to access the ‘help-with-work’ page of the Macmillan Cancer Support website. This gives advice and information for employees, self-employed, carers, and employers.
Macmillan Cancer Support also provide a national ‘Work Support Service’ which offers advice to people who are employed or self-employed and are affected by cancer. They can help you to understand your rights at work and offer guidance on how to talk to your employer and negotiate adjustments at work. If you need one-off legal advice they can refer you as well as provide information on sick pay and taking time off. The members of the Work Support Service work Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm. Click here to access further information about the service.
Telephone: 0808 808 00 00
Prostate Cancer UK
Click here to access information about going back to work with Prostate Cancer.
UK Government
Click here to access information if you are in work and have a disability or health condition (Access to Work).
Click here to access the webpage for the ‘Department of Work and Pensions’ - which includes advice about finding a job and benefits etc.