Worthing MP supports more employment protection for terminally ill workers

Tim Loughton attended a cross-party event in Parliament on Monday (April 18) to give his support to the Trades Union Congress’ ‘Dying to Work’ campaign.

It was set up following the case of Jacci Woodcock, a 58-year-old sales manager from Derbyshire who encouraged to leave her job after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

Mr Loughton said: “People battling a terminal illness deserve choice and shouldn’t be forced to undergo stressful HR procedures with the risk of losing the positive stimulation and distraction of work.

“Furthermore, it is shocking to think that if people with terminal illnesses are dismissed or forced out of their jobs that their loved ones will lose the death in service payments that the employee has planned for and earned through a life-time of hard work.”

The campaign has been endorsed by a number of trade unions and charities, and energy firm E.On was the first company to sign the voluntary charter to provide support to their employees.

Mr Loughton added: “I am proud to back the TUC’s ‘Dying to Work’ campaign and why I will be encouraging businesses in my constituency to sign up to the TUC’s voluntary charter to help ensure that the current law is changed.”

Paul Nowak, TUC deputy general secretary, said: “Worrying about your job should be the least of your concerns when you receive a terminal diagnosis.

“It’s fantastic to have this event in Parliament as a chance for MPs from all parties to show their support and get involved in this campaign to make terminal illness a protected characteristic.

“Hopefully now more employers will now follow E.ON’s lead by signing the ‘Dying to Work’ Charter and we will see further action in Parliament to deliver this vital employment protection for terminally ill workers.”

For more information visit www.dyingtowork.co.uk

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