South Gloucestershire and Stroud College signs Dying to Work Charter

South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College has formally signed the Dying to Work Charter and added its name to this voluntary initiative.

The charter, part of the Trades Union Congress (TUC)’s wider campaign, ensures employees diagnosed with a terminal illness have job security, protection from dismissal and the freedom to make choices which are right for them and their families.

By signing, SGS College joins a growing number of organisations across the UK – including Rolls Royce, Royal Mail, and E-On – which are pledging to support employees through some of the most difficult times of their lives, protecting their rights and dignity.

The Dying to Work campaign was initiated 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 campaign seeks greater employment security for terminally ill workers and encourages employers to commit to treating them with dignity, compassion and respect.

David Withey, chief executive officer and principal at SGS College, said: “At SGS College, our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we have always cared deeply about the wellbeing of our staff. By signing the Dying to Work Charter, we are ensuring that our colleagues know that if the worst should happen, they will be treated with dignity, compassion and respect – and that we will stand firmly beside them and their families.”

Ines Lage, TUC South West regional secretary, said: “Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis. I’m delighted that South Gloucestershire and Stroud College have shown real leadership in this area, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for terminally ill workers.

“We now have over 1.5 million workers covered by the Dying to Work Charter across the country, and we expect more employers to commit in the coming months.”

The pledge builds on SGS College’s wider commitment to staff wellbeing and creating a supportive, inclusive workplace for all.