The constabulary is the latest employer to sign up to the Dying to Work Voluntary Charter, following in the footsteps of employers such as Morrisons, British Transport Police and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
The Charter is part of the Trade Union Council’s (TUC’s) wider Dying to Work campaign which is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers where they cannot be dismissed as a result of their condition.
Dying to Work was taken forward by the TUC following the case of Jacci Woodcook, an area sales manager from Derbyshire who was forced out of her job after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.
The TUC is asking employers to sign up to its voluntary charter to stop cases like Jacci’s happening in the future.
Chief Constable, Simon Chesterman, said “Signing up to Dying to Work demonstrates our commitment to being a fair and supportive employer who recognises the challenges that life can throw at people. Being part of this movement and signing the charter should provide reassurance to CNC employees that if they’re facing the worst, they can at least rest easy where their job is concerned.”
Chair of the Civil Nuclear Police Authority (CNPA), Susan Johnson, said “For those who are dealing with the devastating diagnosis of a terminal illness, we want to ensure they are supported with compassion, caring and respect. The CNPA is proud to sign the Charter and will do all we can to help any employee facing such a difficult time to make the right choices for themselves and their families, without the additional stress of worrying about their job security.”
Chair of the Civil Nuclear Police Federation, Darren Adams, said “The Civil Nuclear Constabulary has long supported its people with dignity and compassion. As a Federation, we have driven this forward to ensure that commitment is now formally recognised through the Dying to Work Charter; not as a change in direction, but as a clear statement of the values we already uphold and a standard for others to follow.”
TUC Midlands Regional Secretary Stuart Richards, said
“Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis.
“I’m delighted that the CNC have shown real leadership in this area, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for terminally-ill workers.
“We now have over 2 million workers being covered by the Dying to Work charter across the country, and we expect more employers to commit in the coming months.”
