People recovering from cancer feel pressure to return to work too early, it's been revealed
People diagnosed with cancer face discrimination at work and need better support from employers.
That’s the main finding of new research which also shows that one in four cancer patients in Scotland feel pressured into returning to work before they are ready – and 23% give up work altogether.
Macmillan Cancer Support released the findings of a YouGove poll to coincide with the World Cancer Congress in Paris.
The research, which explores the impact of cancer on working life, found that one in five people in Scotland who have experienced cancer say they faced discrimination from their employer or colleagues.
It is appalling that, in too many cases, help to stay in employment is not offered to people living with cancer who want to work and are able to do so, leaving them with little choice but to leave
Janice Preston
In addition, more than a third report other negative experiences, such as feeling guilty for having to take time off for medical appointments and a loss of confidence in their ability to do their job.
Macmillan Cancer Support warns that employers must offer better support to the growing number of people with cancer in the workplace.
With improvements in survival rates for cancer and more people working for longer and retiring later, the number of people of working age in the UK with cancer is predicted to reach 1.7 million by 2030.
The charity found that the vast majority (85%) of people in work when they were diagnosed with cancer say that continuing work is important to them. The most common reason for this is “to maintain a sense of normality” and others include “I enjoy my job” and “I needed the money”.
Macmillan is calling on employers to make sure that they have appropriate policies in place and that their human resources ~(HR) departments and line managers have the skills to support staff affected by cancer. It is also vital that employers fulfil their legal obligations to make reasonable adjustments which could enable employees with cancer to stay in or return to work if they want to.
Janice Preston, head of Macmillan Services for Scotland, said: “For many people living with cancer, returning to work is hugely important. As well as helping them manage financially, we know it helps people feel more in control of their lives again and brings a sense of normality which can boost their recovery.
“It is therefore appalling that, in too many cases, help to stay in employment is not always offered to people living with cancer who want to work and are able to do so, leaving them with little choice but to leave. During what is already a stressful and difficult time, they should be able to rely on the full support and understanding of their employer.”
Macmillan is helping thousands of employers to support staff affected by cancer through its At Work scheme.
As well as offering a free toolkit, resources and advice, the charity gives specialist training sessions for line managers and HR professionals to help make supporting staff as easy and rewarding as possible.
Jim's story - "I never once spoke to an occupational therapist or a member of the HR team"
Jim McKay, 39 from Edinburgh (pictured with his partner Joanne) was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumours, a rare form of cancer, last year. At the time, he was working as a manager in a publishing company.
Following time off for a major operation, he returned to work full-time but within a few months realised he was finding it difficult to cope with fatigue and other side effects of his illness and treatment.
Jim said: “When you come out of hospital you get a huge burst of energy because you think, 'great, I’m alive, I’m going to seize the day'. It’s human nature and the right attitude but you don’t foresee the kind of adjustments you’re going to need to make to start living a full life again.
“Understanding your situation is a very personal experience and you have to learn some hard lessons through trial and error. Every patient will have to navigate their own unique circumstances and coming to understand this is half the battle.
“As time moved on, I struggled with my energy levels and couldn’t always work nine to five. I was trying to continue as normal but was becoming completely exhausted. When the physical fatigue gets to you mentally, times can get quite tough. I realised I needed to understand better a way to manage the situation.”
During a hospital check-up Jim’s partner saw a leaflet about the Macmillan Work Service run by NHS Lothian and was put in touch with a support worker who quickly put together an action plan to manage the gap in needs between Jim and his employer. Since then, Jim has changed jobs and now works for the Law Society, which has been very supportive of any requirements or adjustments he’s needed.
Jim said: “Before I started in my new job, the employer sent me to see an occupational therapist twice and I am due to meet with them again soon. My new employer’s attitude has been, 'what do you need to have in place to get the best out of you?’ I speak with HR and my line manager regularly about my ongoing health problems and they are both supportive and accommodating. Consequently, I am able to work with energy and am engaged with the organisation in a way that ensures I am at my most productive.
“At my previous job I never once spoke to an occupational therapist or a member of the HR team. The only communication I had from HR was a letter telling me the date they would put me on statutory sick pay. Consequently, my manager and I had to negotiate the space between our needs ourselves and the relationship suffered. What I’ve learnt is you need a plan to work out a path for you, and importantly the employer needs to be helped to understand that you don’t have all the answers and will be learning as you go. It can be frustrating for an employer, and that is where an open and honest line of conversation with your employer is vital.”
