Guidance for carers
If your partner or family member has cancer, you may need to take time off to look after them or deal with issues arising from their condition.
The University believes it has a responsibility to support colleagues affected in this way. We will be as flexible as possible in our approach, bearing in mind each individual’s personal circumstances and the needs of the University.
Support we offer you
We know that hearing the news about a cancer diagnosis is difficult. It can also be a challenge to balance caring and work. We provide a range of colleague resources to support you in these circumstances.
Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador Network
The University has a support network where Lived Ambassadors primarily share their personal experiences and insights on specific challenges they have encountered. They can also signpost colleagues to relevant resources and support. You can contact the Network here.
Employee Assistance Programme
Colleagues and their immediate family members* have access to a helpline operated by Health Assured. The Employee Assistance Programme is a confidential and impartial service that offers support, whatever the problem, be it personal or work-related. The number is free to call and open 24/7, 365 days per year. Call Health Assured on 0800 028 0199 and quote MHA237526.
*Health Assured define immediate family members as spouse/partners and children aged 16 to 24 in full-time education, living in the same household.
Wisdom app
Provided by Health Assured, colleagues can also access the Wisdom app. The app provides online personalised wellbeing content, tools, health trackers and includes a resources library. Learn how to download the app: Wisdom How to Download Guide . When registering enter Unique Code: MHA237526.
Private Health Care
MyLifestyle Benefits and Perks provides a range of options for private healthcare, offering access to 24/7 GP and Mental Health helplines, access to Diagnosis and Treatment, plus more for a monthly fee per person. Learn more at https://www.edenred.uk.com/.
Communication
The earlier you tell your line manager about your relative’s cancer diagnosis, the more time everyone will have to plan around the potential impact on your work. As the situation becomes clearer, make sure you keep them up-to-date.
Telling management
We recognise this may not be easy for you. However, it is very difficult for your manager and other people at work to support you if we are unaware of your circumstances.
For example, you may find it difficult to take time off to help your relative, if your manager does not know why you need to do this. We may also need to arrange cover when you are away and minimise the impact on your colleagues.
The first thing to do is request a private meeting with your manager.
If you wish, you may have someone else with you to act in a support capacity (e.g. a work colleague or a trade union representative) for this or any other meeting relating to your cancer.
If you feel unable to discuss your cancer diagnosis and treatment with your line manager, you can speak to, your People and OD Partner, an Occupational Health Adviser or a member of the Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador Network.
Telling others at work
Once you disclose your situation to your manager, they will need your permission to share that information with People and OD and other managers who may be affected. Equally, you may prefer to tell them yourself. If so, you should do this as soon as you can so that we can quickly take the appropriate steps to help you. The University respects your wish for privacy and other third parties.
Balancing work and your caring responsibilities
Until treatment for cancer has started, it is difficult to know how it will affect a person. You may need to take time off at short notice, depending on the type of cancer and treatment. Under cancer guidance, managers should understand the need for flexibility, as each person’s experience of cancer is different.
Short-term solutions
If you need time off work to look after a relative with cancer, there are various options. These might include taking
Emergency time off to care for a dependent
The University recognises that colleagues may require time off during working hours to deal with an immediate issue or emergency involving a dependant. As such, the University provides paid ‘emergency time off’ leave beyond the statutory provision and colleagues will be granted ‘reasonable’ time off work to deal with such matters. The right to time off to care for dependants applies to all colleagues, regardless of their length of service. Emergency Time Off to Care for Dependants can be requested/recorded in the normal way through the CoreHR self-service system. Once 3 days of paid leave have been using in any one year period it will revert to unpaid leave automatically.
Support for staff with caring responsibilities
The Support for Staff with Caring Responsibilities Policy outlines the support available to colleagues with caring responsibilities (aligned with the definition described in the policy), including the provision of additional paid time off to deal with emergencies, paid Carers Leave and signposting to other potential support mechanisms all designed to improve flexibility around the pressures carers may face.
Parental leave
If you are the parent of a child under 18 who is critically ill and therefore defined as ‘disabled’, you will be entitled to take parental leave. You can take up to four weeks ordinary parental leave in any 12 month period. Leave may be taken one day at a time or in multiples of one day. You can read more about the University’s Parental leave policy here.
Options for flexible working
We are willing to consider various options to allow you to continue working and also care for your relative with cancer. Depending on your needs and the requirements of your job, we may be able to:
- Plan a reduced or more flexible working schedule
- Ask colleagues to be supportive and help with some of your work
- Allow you to work from home
- Any changes to your working conditions may affect your terms of employment. And we will make sure everyone is clear about the impact before any formal agreement is reached.
Speak to your line manager about what flexibility you may need and refer to the University’s Flexible Working Policy.
You may also find it helpful to read MacMillan’s: Working while caring for someone with cancer
Financial considerations
You may be eligible for state benefits. This can be very significant source of new income for people affected by cancer. Some benefits for carers and people with cancer are not dependent on income and you may be able to claim while in work. It is important to apply quickly so you do not miss out on payments. Where possible, we will also give you information about where to seek expert advice on state benefits and other financial matters.
For more information, please call MacMillan’s financial guides and benefits advisers on 0808 808 00 00, or visit macmillan.org.uk/moneyworries.
Deciding to stop work
Some people choose to give up work completely when they are looking after someone with cancer.
If work has been a major focus of your life, it can be difficult to adjust to not working. You may want to seek counselling to talk this through.
However, before taking any formal steps that affect your employment status, it is important that you seek appropriate financial advice. Insurance, pension payments and other colleague benefits attached to your job could be affected by your employment status. State benefits can also be affected so you may need specialist advice. These financial considerations may be important to the welfare of your family or dependents. Consider your circumstances carefully before deciding what to do.
If you are unsure where to go for advice, you can start by asking your line manager or your People and OD Partner. Your trade union can also be a good source of advice. For information about where to seek expert advice on state benefits and other financial matters call MacMillan’s financial guides and benefits advisers on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk/moneyworries.
Bereavement
If you are facing the death of a loved one, we will make every effort to support you.
We recognise this is an emotional time. You will also need to make practical arrangements attend the funeral and help your family.
Please refer to our Bereavement policy for more information about time off work.
Please let your line manager know whether you want to hear from work colleagues during this time and if so, what kind of contact you would prefer.
Colleagues experiencing bereavement are encouraged to access support resources for Bereavement and grief at work - mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/bereaved-family-friends/work