News from Wales Bridgend County Borough Council signs the Dying to Work Charter –

Earlier this month, Bridgend County Borough Council became the latest employer to sign up to the TUC’s Charter aimed at helping employees who become terminally ill at work.

The Dying to Work campaign is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers and offers them additional employment protections when they need them the most.

The campaign 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 after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

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

The Dying to Work Charter now covers over a million workers including staff at well-known employers such as Rolls Royce, Royal Mail and Lloyds Bank.

Mark Shephard, Chief Executive of Bridgend County Borough Council, said:

“As a responsible employer, it makes perfect sense to want to support staff who might find themselves in such a situation, and to help them at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.

“Bridgend County Borough Council fully supports the principles and aims of the Dying To Work charter, and I am pleased that the authority has become one of the many organisations to have signed it.”

Wales TUC’s Dying to Work Lead, Gareth Hathway, said:

“It’s fantastic to see trade unions and employers working in partnership to protect over 3,000 employees at the council. The charter will be a great comfort to those who need it and their families”

Kelly Andrews, GMB National Officer for Social Care, said:

“I am delighted that Bridgend County Borough Council have now signed up to the TUC Dying to Work campaign. GMB has been campaigning in all of the 22 local authorities of Wales to make sure that our members are protected at a time when they feel they’re most vulnerable.

“No one should have to worry about their job when they have been given a diagnosis of a terminal illness. GMB will continue to care for our members and we will work with Bridgend to provide support and understanding to all employees of the council.”

Tanya Palmer, UNISON Cymru Wales Secretary, said:

“By signing up to the Dying to Work charter, Bridgend County Borough Council have committed to ensuring that any employee suffering a terminal illness will be supported and empowered to make decisions about their working life without fear of repercussions or loss of income.

“Some workers may choose to remain at work for as long as possible, others may wish to spend their time with loved ones. Whatever a person’s choice may be, having the support of their employer is crucial and we are pleased that Bridgend County Borough Council recognise this.”