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Trust 1st in country to
sign up to Dying to Work charter
A Merseyside NHS trust is the 1st in the country to sign
a charter supporting employees who become terminally ill at work.
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust is also the 1st employer in the
North West to support the TUC Dying to Work campaign.
The voluntary charter has already been signed by a number of other organisations
including the energy company E-ON.
Interim Chief Executive Iain McInnes joined Staff Side lead John Flannery from
Unison and North West TUC Regional Secretary Lynn Collins for the signing at
Southport Hospital.
Mr McInnes said:- "The Trust recognises that staff members
with terminal illnesses need support and understanding, especially when it comes
to removing or reducing any stress and worry about their job. We are delighted
to support this initiative."
Mr Flannery added:- "In my experience the Trust has always been extremely
supportive of staff who have been diagnosed with terminal illness. The decision
to commit to the TUC charter was an easy one as it is the right thing to do.
Nobody should be forced to leave employment due to terminal illness and they
should be afforded the right to choose their own path at the end of their life."
Lynn Collins, North West TUC Regional Secretary, said:- "Worrying about
your job should be the least of your concerns when you receive a terminal
diagnosis. Signing the Charter has provided peace of mind to 3,500 workers at
the Trust, who are to be commended for signing."
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. In the absence of legislative
protection, the TUC is asking employers to sign up to its voluntary charter to
stop cases like Jacci's happening in the future. |
