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Nottinghamshire County Council will sign up to a new charter today (Wednesday 17 August June at 12.00) aimed at helping employees who become terminally ill at work.

The signing, which will take place at County Hall and will be attended by Cllr Alan Rhodes, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Tyehimba Nosakhere from the GMB along with Lee Baron, Midlands Regional TUC Secretary.

The Dying to Work Voluntary Charter is a TUC initiative which sets out how employers can support terminally ill workers following their diagnosis.

Dying to Work

Nottinghamshire County Council signs up to TUC’s new charter for helping terminally ill workers

Nottinghamshire County Council will sign up to a new charter today (Wednesday 17 August at 12.00) aimed at helping employees who become terminally ill at work.

The signing, which will take place at County Hall and will be attended by Cllr Alan Rhodes, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Tyehimba Nosakhere from the GMB along with Lee Barron, Midlands Regional TUC Secretary.

The Dying to Work Voluntary Charter is a TUC initiative which sets out how employers can support terminally ill workers following their diagnosis.

It is part of the TUC’s wider Dying to Work campaign which is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers through a ‘protected period’ where they cannot be dismissed as a result of their condition.

Dying to Work was set up by the TUC following the case of Jacci Woodcook, a 58-year-old 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 voluntary charter to stop cases like Jacci’s happening in the future.

 
Councillor Alan Rhodes, Leader Nottinghamshire County Council, said:

“Nottinghamshire County Council is pleased to be signing the Dying to Work charter.  We are committed to treating all our employees fairly and with dignity.  This is particularly important for those facing the difficult challenges a diagnosis of terminal illness brings. 

We are working closely with our recognised trades unions locally to build on our existing approach and to translate the principles of the charter into practical management guidance and support for employees. This will ensure that their personal choices regarding work are recognised and respected at this difficult time.”

Tyehimba Nosakhere, GMB Organiser, said: “I am very proud that such a large Labour controlled Authority has been prepared to sign up to this crucial charter that will enhance the support and care given to employees who find themselves in these difficult situations.  

Nottinghamshire County Council has a long history of working well with Trade Unions, and in particular our relationship has been one of understanding and progression for employees and services, in what have been challenging times.

Much of the charter was already in practice within this Authority, which indicates how advanced they have been and how important it is to ensure that fundamental principles for the protection of the loyal and committed staff who deliver the Council’s services are enshrined within the policies and practices.

Lee Barron, Midlands TUC Regional Secretary said: “Worrying about your job should be the least of your concerns when you receive a terminal diagnosis.

Nottinghamshire County Council are to be commended for signing up to the TUC Dying to Work Charter, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for workers who find themselves in this position.  

The campaign is building momentum with employers committing to the Charter, extending protection and peace of mind to thousands of working people. We trust that more employers across Nottinghamshire, the Midlands and indeed the UK follow Nottinghamshire County Council and sign the Dying to Work Charter.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The TUC Dying to Work Voluntary Charter states the following:

1. We recognise that terminal illness requires support and understanding and not additional and avoidable stress and worry.

2. Terminally ill workers will be secure in the knowledge that we will support them following their diagnosis and we recognise that safe and reasonable work can help maintain dignity, offer a valuable distraction and can be therapeutic in itself.

3. We will provide our employees with the security of work, peace of mind and the right to choose the best course of action for themselves and their families which helps them through this challenging period with dignity and without undue financial loss.

4. We support the TUC’s Dying to Work campaign so that all employees battling terminal illness have adequate employment protection and have their death in service benefits protected for the loved ones they leave behind.

- More information about the Dying to Work campaign can be found at www.dyingtowork.co.uk

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @The_TUC and follow the TUC press team @tucnews

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