Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has today added its name to a charter aimed at helping employees who become terminally ill at work.
The service is the latest employer to sign up to the Dying to Work Voluntary Charter, following in the footsteps of many local, regional and national employers.
The Charter is part of the Trade Union Congress’ (TUC) wider Dying to Work campaign which is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers where they cannot be dismissed as a result of their condition.
Dying to Work 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 voluntary charter to stop cases like Jacci’s happening in the future.
TUC North West, Regional Secretary Lyn Collins, said:
“Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis.
“I’m delighted that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has shown real leadership in this area, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for terminally-ill workers.
“We now have a million workers being covered by the Dying to Work charter across the country, and we expect more employers to commit in the coming months.”
Sean Carlisle, Fire Brigades Union’s Health and Safety Coordinator for Lancashire said:
“The Fire Brigades Union is delighted that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has fully endorsed and signed the Dying to Work Charter, as we hope it will provide a small amount of peace of mind for members and their family, during the most difficult of times.”
Unison representative for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Andrew Smith, adds:
“Unison is delighted to support this Charter and we thank the service for signing it and supporting staff who become terminally ill.
Justin Johnston, Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“We are happy to sign this Charter and support staff who receive the devastating news that they are suffering from terminal illness.
“We hope that none of our staff every receive news like this but if they do, we hope that our commitment which is laid out in this Charter provides them and their family with a small bit of comfort.”