💙 Employment Rights: Terminal Illness

• Employment Rights for Terminally Ill Workers: The debate focused on improving the employment rights of people diagnosed with a terminal illness. The key issue is preventing such workers from being dismissed based on their condition.

• Current Legal Gaps: Under current law, it is still legal to sack a terminally ill worker on the grounds of capability. The debate highlighted the need to close this gap to prevent people from losing their jobs and financial security when they are most vulnerable.

• Dying to Work Campaign: A campaign, supported by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), called the Dying to Work charter aims to protect workers with a terminal illness from dismissal. Over 1.5 million workers are already protected under this voluntary charter, which over 1,000 employers have signed.

• Need for Legal Protection: Speakers argued for legislative changes to ensure that the right not to be dismissed due to a terminal illness is universally applied and not dependent on the goodwill of employers. They emphasized that dignity at work is a right, not a privilege.

• Government Response: The Minister acknowledged the issue and mentioned ongoing work within government to adopt the Dying to Work charter. However, no immediate legislative changes were promised. The debate is seen as the start of a broader conversation on this topic.

• Support for Caregivers: There was also a call for improved workplace protection for the parents of children with terminal diagnoses, to allow them time off to care for their children without losing their jobs.

• Charity Involvement: Marie Curie, a charity that supports terminally ill patients, was praised for its advocacy and the work it does to help those at the end of their lives and their families.

• Economic and Social Benefits: Retaining terminally ill workers can reduce turnover costs and maintain productivity, while also providing social support to those facing a terminal diagnosis.

• Personal Stories and Advocacy: Several MPs shared personal stories and recognized individuals like Jacci Woodcock and Richard Oliver, who have been instrumental in advocating for better rights for terminally ill workers.

• Future Steps: There is a consensus among MPs for continued dialogue and action to ensure that all terminally ill workers are protected, regardless of their employer’s policies.

The session displayed a low level of disagreement, primarily centered on how to best address and improve the rights and treatment of terminally ill employees rather than on the need for change itself. All participants, including members from various parties such as Labour, DUP, Liberal Democrats, and Conservatives, expressed a consensus on the importance of protecting the employment rights of people with terminal illnesses. The debate focused on sharing experiences, advocating for existing campaigns like the Dying to Work charter, and discussing potential legislative and policy changes to enhance these protections. The Minister’s response also indicated government support for continuing the conversation and improving current frameworks, suggesting a unified approach rather than a divisive one. The only minor points of contention were around the specifics of implementation and the scope of current protections under the Equality Act, but these were not framed as significant disagreements.