Am I now classed as disabled because I had cancer

Hi CrazyCatWoman and a warm welcome to our little corner of the online community. 

I don't think we're considered as disabled in the sense to get a blue badge but It might be a good idea to take a look at Ask a work support advisor in our Ask an Expert forum. I'm sure someone there will be able to help but I'd allow a couple of days for a reply as they're very busy at the moment. Hope that'll help.

Love the moggies, 

Big hugs, Barb xx 

Hi Barb 

thank you for your reply it’s most helpful I will send a message. The only reason I ask is. Because I don’t want to end up being sacked I just want to know my rights 

thank you they are adorable

Jiyce

Hi, I have gathered from previous posts on this subject that once you have had cancer you are protected under the disability act from discrimination and your employer is required to make provision for your needs.  As you say Scotland may be a bit different.   Is there a union rep who can help to fight your cornet?

Hi Joyce,

I asked the same following surgery last year. I work for the NHS and felt a lack of support. You are well protected legally and once I contacted occupational health they were very helpful. I called the Macmillan helpline and they gave me all the information I needed. Employers can’t mess with us once you have cancer you are protected under the law for the rest of your life, we have rights I went from feeling vulnerable to empowered. 

Best wishes

Honey 

Hi Honey. That's interesting to know - I wasn't aware of being protected under law for rest of my life and, as I'm retired, hadn't given much thought to employment issues.

Big hugs, Barb x

Hi Barb,

I had no idea I was protected under the law. Once I had all the information I contacted occupational health, my manager hadn’t told them I was off sick following cancer diagnosis. They offered to do a full assessment if needed. Fortunately following 3 weeks of phased return I was okay going back to my usual duties albeit that I felt tired, I had cancer related fatigue took a fair while to get over. I still notice that by Friday evening I still feel very tired.

I got the following info from the internet; 

Cancer is deemed a disability under the Equality Act. Employees have automatic protection from discrimination from day one of their diagnosis. ... Employers must not discriminate against an employee with cancer unless there is objective justification for this behaviour.

Good to know.

Best wishes and a big virtual hug  

Honey

Hi everyone 

thank you for your replies and support. I got a message back from the McMillan support and they said the same. I’m covered now for the rest of my life. I just don’t want to be moved to a different department or end up getting health retirement. I’m not quite ready doe that yet.

thank you all again 

Joyce.