Hi all,
Bit of a rant really sorry, I am a bit miffed and upset with work at the moment. I work for my friends dad as a cleaner in his factory 4 hours a week, I told them about my cancer when I was told, gave them plenty of notice of my surgery date and also told them I was going to be having chemo. I gave them my sick note in November which showed I was signed off until 11th February 2022 and nothing was said. They emailed me a few weeks ago asking when I would be back and I said I wasn’t sure as I had been told I was likely to be signed off again but heard nothing back. I have since had texts from my friend asking for keys back so she could do it and asking if I want my job back as “I wouldn’t be letting anyone down if I didn’t want it anymore as someone else wants the job”. I have had emails work from saying how the factory was dirty and had gone to pot because Stacie (my partner) had not been covering for me so we said well Stacie will take it back over for me until my sick note is up in May but could we do it every other week because she has her own job, takes me to appointments and we have our son to look after and they have said it’s no good really as they want the cleaning upped to 8 hours a week over 2 days to which Stacie has agreed. What annoys me is they never asked me to get a replacement and I feel like as an employee it was not my job to do so, I feel like they are trying to get rid of me. The guilt I feel because now as well as her 20 hour job Stacie is now doing an extra 8 hours to cover me. That’s what 22 years of friendship gets you I guess. Sorry for the rant. X
Hi Rach_E,
I'm sorry to hear how badly you are being treated by your work place. I actually spoke to the Macmillan Cancer Support phone line when I had a problem and they got someone who dealt with support for work to call me back. It may be worth you giving them a ring and asking for their advice. I would not have thought as an employee that it was up to you to provide a replacement while you are having treatment.
Best Wishes to you and your Family.
Sylvia.
Hi Rach_E. So sorry to read your post. Cancer patients have rights so I would suggest you Ask a work support adviser (link attached). They might take a day or two to reply but they'll be able to help. Other wise speak to someone on the Macmillan support helpline number shown below.
Hugs, Barb xx
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
"Never lose hope. Storms make people stronger and never last forever” - Roy T Bennett
Hi Rach E,
We had similar issues when my husband had throat cancer 14 years ago. We had a particularly bad weekend, where he was coughing a lot, and obviously not right. He decided to go into work in the morning, then head for the hospital. His boss wanted him to stay the whole day, but he refused. At the hospital, they took one look at him and admitted him, wouldn't even let him home to collect a bag!
The last straw was when he got a letter saying because he had been off work so long he had no holiday entitlement left !!! It was almost as if he had been ill with throat cancer on purpose!! It was then we counted up our pennies, and decided he could retire. He had great pleasure in telling them to stuff the job!
I really felt at the time some of these bosses have no idea what is involved in cancer treatment!!! xxxxx
Thank you everyone for your replies. I’m just annoyed as we have been friends since we were kids and this is how it is, I don’t hear from them unless it’s to do with work. I feel guilty as it is putting Stacie through all this and it’s been made worse now she’s taking on my job as well as her own as I’m scared I will lose my job. It’s like they think I have put a sick note in for the sake of it. X
Hello Rach_E, I am sorry to read about this. I hope the day comes soon when you find another opportunity and can tell them to stuff their job.
Hi Rach_E, You have every right to rant and I am furious on your behalf! It may be that your friends are ignorant of the employer responsibility to those with cancer. But they don't seem to be treating you as an employee and I wonder if you have ever had a written contract or conditions of employment and do you get proper payslips? Expecting you to find your own cover for the hours you work sounds as though they are treating you as casual labour. Also, are you alone when you do the cleaning? Before I retired I helped run a (very) small company and on safety /security grounds we would never have allowed any employee to work alone in the workspace. Apart from that there would be insurance issues. I cannot conceive of anyone treating a person, whether staff or friend, like this. I echo those who suggest contacting the Macmillan advisors about this and the Citizen's Advice people could also offer advice.
You and Stacie are going through enough at the moment and I do hope you have some genuine friends to support you.
XXXX
Anne
(Class of 2015!)
this is not good Rach … ️ Your employer may need to be reminded that your condition is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 and it certainly isn’t your role to sort cover! There seems to be Macmillan advisers that can help and you can get free advice from www.acas.org.uk
xx
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © 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