Royal Mail Signs Up To TUC Scheme For Terminally Ill Staff

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-65 ... aax3ciGNPY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

MORE than a half-a-million workers are now covered by a TUC-backed scheme guaranteeing rights for employees with terminal illnesses after the news that the Royal Mail has signed up.

The post operator joins 50 other employers who have signed the Dying to Work charter —including Santander, Legal & General, the Co-op, universities, local authorities and energy giant Eon.

The campaign was started after 59-year-old Jacci Woodcock was shown the door from her job as a sales manager after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Announcing the news today, TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis.

“Over half a million workers are now covered by the Dying to Work charter and we expect more employers to commit in the coming months.”
Post bosses signed up after the Communication Workers Union took up the campaign.

CWU health and safety chief Dave Joyce said: “This charter ensures that those workers facing a terminal illness diagnosis are not denied the choice of continuing work or how to spend their final months or years. That is, with dignity and being able to continue at work if they so wish.”

Royal Mail health and safety director Shaun Davis said: “Signing up to the Dying to Work charter builds on the policies and guides we already have in place to help employees and their direct families, if they receive such a diagnosis.

“We also understand the impact of a terminal condition on the affected employee’s family and work colleagues. We provide employee assistance services, which include counselling.”