Cancer in the workplace

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) has recently been amended so that all forms of cancer are classified as “disabilities” within the meaning of the Act.  Employers should be aware that the DDA now covers people living with and in remission from cancer from the point of diagnosis onwards.

The DDA also protects workers in respect of a past disability, even if they are no longer disabled.  Therefore, a worker who has had cancer in the past and has been successfully treated will still be protected by the legislation and must not be subjected to any form of discrimination relating to their cancer.

The CIPD have produced a helpful booklet which contains guidance on best practice for employers dealing with employees suffering from cancer, together with information on adjustments that can be made. This can be accessed at http://www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/health/general/_cncrwrkg.htm?IsSrchRes=1

Read the other articles in this newsletter:
Reliance on expired disciplinary warnings
The duty to make reasonable adjustments
Dismissals with less than one year service
Smoking in the workplace