East Midlands signs Dying to Work charter

Unite and other unions across the East Midlands have signed the TUC Dying to Work charter with the East Midlands Combined Authority in Chesterfield yesterday (14 Aug) along with Claire Ward, the Mayor of the East Midlands.

Regional Coordinating Officer Shaun Lee signed the charter, which sets out an agreed way that employers will support and protect workers who are diagnosed with a terminal illness during their employment, on behalf of Unite.

By signing the Charter, the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is committing to protect and support our employees during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

The Charter, developed by the TUC and campaign founder Jacci Woodcock MBE, ensures that terminally ill colleagues are treated with dignity, compassion, and are included in decisions about how they continue to work.

The Dying to Work campaign highlights the crucial steps employers can take to provide reassurance and stability to terminally ill employees, including safeguarding job security and offering tailored support. 

Shaun said, “Unite in the East Midlands are proud to be a part of this important campaign, and it was great to have the Mayor of the East Midlands signing the East Midlands Combined County Authority up to the Dying to Work Charter. This commits them to supporting workers across the East Midlands region who tragically have received the devastating news of a terminal diagnosis.

“Nobody should have to fear for their job or financial security after receiving this news, and this charter is about giving those workers a choice and support from their employers,  helping to reduce some of the huge emotional stress, fear, and possible financial concerns that workers and their families face at a very difficult time.

“The campaign started over a decade ago in Derbyshire, and the charter now covers more than 2 million workers across the country.”

Speaking on the signing, Mayor Claire, said: “No one should have to worry about their job security while dealing with a terminal illness. By signing the Dying to Work Charter, we are making a clear commitment to treat our colleagues with the respect, empathy, and support they deserve. This is about doing what’s right—and giving people peace of mind when they need it most.”

TUC Midlands Regional Secretary, Stuart Richards, added: “Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis. I’m delighted that EMCCA has shown real leadership in this area, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for terminally ill workers.”

Unite and the TUC now hope that other employers across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire will follow the lead of the  EMCCA’s.

The charter already has over 400 employers signed up all over the UK – from local businesses to public services big and small, covering around 2 million employees, and Unite will continue to campaign for more employers to commit to the charter.

Unite has been a strong supporter of the Dying to Work charter, and yesterday’s signing was just the latest in a number of employers that Unite has signed with jointly. In June this year Unite general secretary Sharon Graham joined civil service trade union leaders and government ministers signing the TUC Dying to Work Charter for the Civil Service. 

More details on the TUC Dying to Work charter.

By Keith Hatch 

Photos by East Midlands Unite