Hello everyone,
Hope you're okay and had a good weekend. Today I'm adding some information about work and employment when you're caring for someone with cancer. We have a lot more information about work and cancer, which you might find helpful.
This advice has been written by other carers of people with cancer and has been taken from our booklet Hello, and how are you? A guide for carers, by carers.
You can download the full booklet and find out more about how Macmillan can help carers. You can also join our carers group to connect with other carers and to share support and advice.
The advice in this post comes from carers’ own experiences.
Work and employment when you're caring for someone with cancer
‘While my wife survived cancer, the disease killed my business.’
Michael
The topics covered in this section are:
When you are a carer, finding a balance between work and caring can be difficult, but it’s definitely not impossible. You may feel unsure about whether to stay at work, leave or return to work.
You may be self-employed and wondering if you can run a business and be a carer. The thing to remember is to take your time before you make any decisions.
Speak to organisations that can give you independent advice. Knowing as much information as possible about your rights, who can support you and the options that are available to you is invaluable.
You’ll also find that speaking openly with the person you are caring for is helpful. They may surprise you with their thoughts on the situation.
Many patients see that work is something that provides a release for carers from their caring role. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it is the right thing for you as well as the patient.
Considering your options
Talk openly to the person you are caring for about how leaving or remaining at work may affect your situation.
Remember that if you don’t consider what is best for you as well as them, problems may arise in the future, and you may become resentful of the earlier decision.
Take your time when considering your options. Naturally, you may feel emotional following the patient’s cancer diagnosis; this may lead to you making rash decisions. Try to take some time off work so you have space to think.
If you are employed, it's a good idea to find out as much information as possible about your rights before speaking to an employer about your caring role. This also applies if your situation changes. You can get independent advice from organisations such as Citizens Advice.
Once you know more about your rights, speak to your employer about what options are available to you and be clear about what you need. For example, could you work flexible hours, do a job share or work from home?
By law you have the statutory right to ask your employer for flexible working if you are caring for an adult who is a relative, spouse or partner, or who lives at the same address as you. An employer can refuse this request only where there is a recognised business case for doing so.
Self-employment
If you’re self-employed, you will have much more control over your working life than someone who is employed. However, you won’t have the same rights and protection.
We found it helped to be prepared. Talk to your bank manager and your accountant as soon as possible, and be prepared to answer questions about your situation. Also try to pay your tax promptly.
You’ll need to decide whether to tell your clients about your situation. It can be helpful to think this through first, and try and imagine what their reactions might be. Then you can be ready with information and suggestions to address any concerns your clients may have. If you belong to a professional association, they may be able to give you some guidance.
You may wish to take some time out from work. Is there anyone who could cover for you? Family and friends might be able to help, or you could hire temporary staff or services. If you have colleagues or associates, they may be able take on some of your work, but bear in mind the risk of losing clients.
We found it helpful to discuss our business commitments openly with the person we cared for. Together we were able to decide when they needed our support most and to keep these times free, eg to attend key hospital appointments.
Carer's assessment
Ask your local Social Services or Social Work department for a carer’s assessment. You are entitled to one if you care for someone for ‘a substantial amount of time and on a regular basis’.
The purpose of the assessment is to see what help you need with caring, plus what will help you to remain healthy and keep up your life, work and family commitments. You’ll find the contact number for your local Social Services or Social Work department in the phonebook.
Consider short-term and long-term employment plans. If you are a member of a trade union, speak to your trade union official as they will be able to help you with any problems or legal issues you have at work.
Remaining at work
If you work for an employer, you do not have to tell them that you are caring for someone, although it may help to avoid problems in the future if you do. Ask them for a private meeting.
Speak to someone in your human resources department about your situation and what options are available to you in the future. Remember though, their interests may not be the same as yours.
If you feel comfortable, tell colleagues about your situation. They may provide some invaluable support to you.
Many of us found work a welcome distraction. It took our minds off some of the problems we were facing at home and provided social contact.
At work you may feel worried or guilty about leaving the patient at home or that you need time off. Upsetting feelings can creep up on you. If you get distressed, ask your employer if you can go home for the day.
As a carer, you have the right to take (unpaid) time off work for dependants in cases of emergency. And don’t forget you have the right to ask for flexible working. Your employer may also have a policy for taking time off work, such as carer's leave or compassionate leave.
If your situation does change, consider speaking to Citizens Advice about your rights before you talk to your manager or someone in your human resources department.
Leaving work
Think carefully before you resign. Resigning is a permanent step, and the way you leave can have an impact on your finances. Consider whether giving up work is something you can practically afford to do.
Get expert advice before you announce your decision, as your pensions, insurance and benefits could be affected. Citizens Advice, the Pensions Advisory Service or an independent financial adviser could help you. Macmillan’s cancer support specialists can also help.
Make sure you don’t feel pressured to give up your job. If you do, speak to someone in your human resources department, or call Macmillan or the Carers UK helpline for advice.
If you are sure that you want to leave work, think about asking for a career break and say that you will be back once your caring role ends.
If early retirement is an option, discuss it with your employer. Remember that for some people it is an advantage, but for others it can leave them financially worse off. Get expert advice to see if you would benefit from early retirement.
Returning to work
Before returning to work, it may be advisable to seek advice from independent organisations about your rights and how your pensions, insurance and benefits could be affected. Try Citizens Advice, the Pensions Advisory Service or an independent financial adviser.
After having time off from work, which may have covered a period of weeks, months or years, it may be helpful to have a gradual, flexible return to work. If you are returning to your old place of work, have a catch-up meeting with your employer before you return.
If you are still caring for someone after returning to work, consider asking your employer for regular reviews so you can discuss any changes in your situation.
Once you have returned to work, your situation may change again. It’s helpful to know in advance what options you will have if changes do occur. Speak to your employer or human resources department about this.
Employers appreciate having all the facts in front of them when considering potential employees. If you have gaps in your employment history because of your caring role, explain this on your CV or in person at an interview.
Your local Jobcentre Plus or Jobs and Benefits Office should offer you a range of job search support. Consider your skills and interests before applying for a job. Make sure it is the right one for you.
You can get lots of practical advice on writing your CV, filling in application forms and performing well in interviews from books in your local library. Jobcentre Plus also recommends the following websites: careersscotland.org, careerswales.com, jobseekers.direct.gov.uk and jobcentreonline.com
Don’t forget that you have developed many skills as a carer. These are something you could mention on your CV if appropriate.
Benefits
Whether you are a full-time carer or still working while you are caring for someone, you may be entitled to benefits. Our cancer support specialists can give you advice about the benefits you might be entitled to.
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Have you got experience of work and employment as a carer?
We'd really like to hear from you if you have. Please let us know by commenting on this post.
You can see more advice from carers of people with cancer about:
Take care,
Libby
