Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Termination of work contract due to treatment for stage 4 Colorectal cancer

John007
  • 1 reply
  • 11 subscribers
  • 213 views

Hi,

My name is John and I ha e worked for the NHS as a C.P.N.for 24 yrs and I am 60 .

I was diagnosed with stage 3 Colorectal cancer Sept 2023 and  had a Resection (APR ) which i had a difficult time with  and this remIns the case .

This was followed by Chemotherapy ( Capox ) once I had suffiently healed.

I suffered fatigue and neuropathy and couldn't return to work and remained on sick leave 6 months full pay followed  by 6 months half pay  and since been on no pay struggling .

Cancer reaccurrance returned  ( 22 mm common iliac node ) June 2025 followed  by further Radiotherpy ( SABR therapy ) in Sept 2025.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. 

January 2026 I have just been to appoitment at Q.E. Bham  and told scan has revealed further concerns with Pata Aortic  node enlarged 30 mm and 1.1  clavicle node and 1.1 node lower abnormal .

Oncologist is consulting with Radiology to look at options  with if results are significant to commence further Chemotherapy and a targeting drug forgot the name .

Main question is my employer pressured me for a return to work date which I gave as 29th Dec 2025 im on annual leave . 

I was referred to stage 3 ( panel )  of  sickness policy with recommendation to terminate contract due to capability/ill health,  they have kept this appointment t live and rescheduled from 21st to the 28th Jan 2026 incase  it seams my circumstance deteriorated .

Question is can  the carring NHS  terminate my contract , OH  have agreed return however my circumstance is slowly deteriorating,  I want  to.return on phased return , however this might be difficult in this time frame .

Please advise .

Kind  regards John ( Graham John )

  •   

    I'm very sorry to hear of your diagnosis and the issues you are having with your workplace, I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. And although we no longer have a work support service here at Macmillan, I do hope I can provide some information that may help you get the relevant advice and support you need with this matter.

    Firstly, may I ask if you have contacted ACAS, who have a free and confidential helpline for anyone that needs employment advice? If not, then you can call them on 0300 123 1100, they’re open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. 

    You can also contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service for guidance too, their contact number is 0808 800 0082 and they are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm.

      you mention a phased return to work, and although our web page suggestions will go into this option further, you may also like to reach out to the work support service at SCOPE.  Just in case you are not aware, in the UK, cancer is legally considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (and DDA in Northern Ireland), offering lifelong protection against discrimination and requiring employers to make reasonable adjustments, even if you're in remission or have finished treatment.  I appreciate you still have cancer, and you know better than anyone, your capacity to work: SCOPE are knowledgeable about your rights, and I am hoping will be a support to you.  They open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm on 0808 800 3333.

    It is possible, you may feel that legal support is your best option.  in this case you may like to explore if there is a Law Works clinic or citizens advice in your area.  Both options offer a free initial consultation. 

    You may also want to contact your Workplace Union or Employee Assistance Programme if you have these for advice and support too. 

    If it may also help, please find below links to booklets and information from our website relating to work and employment rights when you have cancer: 

    Macmillan Website – 

    Work and cancer

    Cancer and employment rights

    Macmillan booklets – 

    Work and cancer – (booklet)

    Your rights at work when you are affected by cancer

      you also mention having no pay.  This in itself must be taking it's toll, along side the physical, and emotional challenges you are facing.  I wonder if you’ve ever used our online benefits calculator or spoken with our Money Team here at Macmillan? This team can carry out a benefits check to see what, if any, financial support you may be entitled to. If you feel this may help, please know you can chat to the team online by starting a new chat and selecting the option, 'Welfare, Benefits, and Grants’ or you can call our freephone support line 0808 808 00 00 and press option 1 then 2 to speak to that team. Their opening hours are Monday – Friday 8am– 6pm.

    I really hope this information is helpful. And please do remember we are here for emotional support too as we understand how difficult a situation like this can be so please do get back in touch if you have any questions or need further support.

     Take care John, and best wishes

    Liz

    Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Advisor

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2026 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007