South Derbyshire District Council commits to Dying to Work Charter

- 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

South Derbyshire District Council has added its name to a charter aimed at helping employees who become terminally ill at work.

The Council is the latest employer to sign up to the Dying to Work Voluntary Charter, following in the footsteps of employers such as Rolls Royce, Royal Mail and the Co-op.

The Charter is part of the TUC’s wider Dying to Work campaign which is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers where they cannot be dismissed as a result of their condition.

Dying to Work 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 three years ago after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

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

TUC Midlands, Regional Secretary, Lee Barron, said:

“Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis.

“I’m delighted that South Derbyshire District Council has shown real leadership in this area, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for terminally-ill workers.

“600,000 workers are now covered by the Dying to Work charter across the country, and we expect more employers to commit in the coming months.”

Cllr Martyn Ford, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said:

“We fully support the Dying to Work Campaign and are happy to apply the principles of this charter to the policies of South Derbyshire District Council.

“Those who are going through such an incredibly difficult time in their lives don’t need any additional worries and the Council prides itself on being an organisation that has the interests of its employees at heart.”

6 November 2018