Anyone know if can take time off work to attend cancer support groups?

Hello,

I believe that when you’re diagnosed with cancer you’re classed as being disabled and are secured by the equality act. Have you looked at this? It might also be worth speaking to ACAS for their advice or have a look on their website? 

I didn’t work throughout my chemo or surgery and I am still off work until I know the next steps of my plan. 
I have been fortunate that my work place have supported me throughout it all. Although, I am now on SSP. 

Have you spoken to your employer about your thoughts and feelings?

Sorry I can’t help directly.

Good luck xx

Thank you I just struggle to ask for more time off as had a few sick days and plenty of time of for appointments. I will have a look at Acas website or call them. My work caused me stress last week and left me feeling uneasy someone in management reported my timekeeping as a concern,  to my manager in passing comment, however I haven’t been late or left early etc! I work on reception part time hours and when got in one morning she just said to keep the above on my radar in reception not in meeting room as well!. I asked if she was joking lol as no timekeeping issues and she said no but I don’t need the stress! I quizzed her on when my timekeeping was a concern and apparently she didn’t ask the person specifics and told me not to take it personally and keep on my radar , I told her how it made me so upset but just making me feel silly for getting angry and upset . I have proof I haven’t been late etc and as they can’t tell me will just continue work ,but it has put me in such a low mood they all know what going through :(. 

Hi 35diagnosedBC agree with Missy219 that worth contacting ACAS. We are classified as disabled and are entitled to access the support we need. Does your employer have a sick policy? That should clearly set out your entitlements. Our policy allows medical / therapy up to a certain amount of hours before we have to take it as a sick day. Maybe you can request a meeting with your manager and have a discussion about the impact of these comments too? This is not what you need. I hope you can get it sorted. X

Thank you I have asked her to inform the person they have made a mistake and make sure they know my hours etc. I hope she does as she told me it was a director and I thought I got on really well with all of them been there 6 years. I will read the sick policy I have had to make up all lost time from appointments if I don’t want to lose pay and is only ssp after the usual time as everyone else. I am starting to think I have been missing out on support I should be getting and will be ringing Acas to check on a few things unsure about. I now go into work feeling rubbish and now may wish to take rest of time off for treatment. 

That doesn’t sound right to me at all. Definitely check the company policy as well as your legal rights with ACAS. 
I completely understand why you feel rubbish about work, am so sorry. We need to be lifted up at the moment, not given additional stress. Macmillan might also be able to advise you? 
Sending a hug x 

I agree bobof . 
I would make it a priority that you enquire about things. 

My employer said they would allow for time off for appointments when I go back but I’m not sure I will be paid for this because I’ve already had 6 months full pay and that. Which is understandable. 

My employer also mentioned about maybe not wanting to come in because of not feeling great and they said this was fine. Again, I don’t think I would be paid but I don’t think I’d be slaughtered with comments for it! 

Your employer doesn’t sound like they’re informed about what treatment entails and feels like sometimes. 

Your health is number one priority. 
Are you worried about finances?xx

Thank you , your employer sounds nice and supportive  , and your lucky they gave you some time off without financial worry. I am going to call Acas for sure see what reasonable requests I can make and re read the policies again at work I think they are very basic and don’t go into much detail if remember rightly. Not had much time off before my cancer diagnosis. I hope I can take time of for join the walks unpaid or paid with it being approved. 

Thank you x

I’ve requested your friendship xx

Hi, sorry to hear about the comments from your colleague in management, this is not ok and it is important that you give your manager the feedback on how this made you feel.

When it comes to the time off for the support group, I suspect this would not be covered in the policy but could be at the discretion of your manager.  Can you talk to them about it? Can you adjust your hours so that you could attend and make up the time?   Also, do you have a HR contact that you can speak to? Maybe they can help you work this out.

Also, don't forgot the lovely folks at here at Macmillan are available to chat these things through on 0800 808 0000.  Best wishes.