Tricky situation

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Hi there, I have been diagnosed with an early rectal cancer and also kidney cancer. I work fulltime for a small startup business. Unfortunately they had to make 3 people redundant this week, and rumour has it they now only have enough money to pay the rest of us till the end of October. I have to have a TEMS proceedure in 4 weeks then a partial nephrectomy possibly in 8 weeks. I have only worked in my current job for 8 months so would not be entitled to redundancy pay. Could I still claim any help from the government whilst I'm recovering? 

Thanks in advance 

  • Dear Gosh 

    Thank you for contacting us here at Macmillan.  My name is Linda and I am a Work Support Advisor on Macmillan’s National Support Line.  My team provides guidance on your rights at work if you are affected by cancer.

    I am sorry to hear about your Cancer diagnosis. I hope you are being well supported by your medical team.

    In case you are not aware, as you have a cancer diagnosis, you are considered to have a disability under the Equality Act 2010 or Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Northern Ireland). This means your employer should not discriminate against you because of your cancer. Your employer is also under a duty to make reasonable adjustments to help you at work. This protection is lifelong and does not depend on an active cancer diagnosis.

    I have attached a link our booklet “Your Rights at Work’”, which explains more about the Equality Act and how you are protected in the workplace. 

    I notice that you have worked for this company for a period of 8 months. You do become eligible for redundancy pay once you have been employed for a period of at least 2 years. You are entitled to at least one weeks’ notice if they were to make you redundant. Protection from unfair dismissal is also a right after 2 years service with an Employer.

    We do have a team of Welfare Rights Advisors here on our Support Line who can provide advice and guidance on the benefits system and can also advise on any help towards costs for which you may be eligible.   The team can be contacted on 0808 808 0000, options 1, 2 and 2 and is available Monday to Friday 8am until 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am until 5pm.

    I hope you have found this information to be useful. I wish you all the best with your upcoming treatment.

    Kind Regards

    Linda

    Work Support Adviser

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email