Council to launch charter for terminally ill workers

The Charter will formally endorse Council’s commitment to employment protections for terminally ill employees, and will call for local employers to sign up to the ‘Dying to Work’ Charter, and support the wider Trade Unions Congress (TUC) campaign. The motion in support of the campaign and charter, moved by Mary Durkan, SDLP Councillor for Foyleside, was passed unanimously by Council.

Miss Durkan said: “The reality is that people of all walks of life and all ages will experience terminal illness. Many of those diagnosed will want to continue in their employment and many will simply need to keep working to ensure financial security for their family.

“The emotional, physical and mental stress inherent in suffering a terminal illness should not be added to by the fear of financial uncertainty and employment insecurity.”

Miss Durkan said there are currently gaps in legislation causing terminally ill employees further distress. “Under current employment law, for example, a terminally ill employee could potentially be fairly dismissed if they are deemed not fit to work or if they do not want to attend work. That could ultimately deprive them of death in service benefits, causing further pain to their loved ones. In recent years, following trade union-led campaigning on this issue many employers and organisations across England, Scotland and Wales have voluntarily signed up to the Charter to give their employees guarantees in relation to guidance, support and protection of death in service benefits.”

Miss Durkan added: “I am delighted that Council is sending out a strong message to employers of all sectors. It was particularly fitting that this motion was passed during our first Workers’ Rights and Social Justice Week and on the eve of May Day.

“During the pandemic we have seen the importance of properly valuing workers across the board, standing up for their rights.”

Miss Durkan paid tribute to the many organisations and charities offering support to those who are terminally ill, adding that the charter represents “an excellent opportunity for Council to engage with groups like Pink Ladies, Paul’s Campaign, Cancer Research, MacMillan and others who are a vital source of support for people with cancer and other illnesses”.