More than a third of UK workers (36 per cent) believe they would get no form of support from their employer if they were diagnosed with cancer, research from Canada Life Group Insurance has revealed.
This figure rises to 45 per cent of employees who have or have had cancer before, which Canada Life pointed out suggests UK bosses are not doing enough to provide help for staff who develop a long-term illness.
Cancer now affects one in two people during their lifetime, and incidence rates among those aged 25 to 49-years-old have risen by 20 per cent in the past 20 years.
Despite the growing occurrence of cancer among those of working age, one in five (21 per cent) respondents have no idea if their employer offers any support to those diagnosed with the condition.
People who have personally experienced cancer are more sceptical about the support of their employer, which is particularly damning.Paul AvisThe Canada Life online survey of 1,010 UK employees in full and part-time employment revealed that less than a third (31 per cent) of respondents think they would be granted flexible working and time off when needed if diagnosed with cancer, falling to 27 per cent among those who have experienced cancer before.
Just 25 per cent think they would be given return-to-work support on recovery, and even fewer anticipate access to occupational health services (16 per cent) or adjusted workloads and performance targets (16 per cent).
Only one in 10 think their employer provides financial benefits such as critical illness cover.
The research also revealed two in five (41 per cent) respondents would be uncomfortable talking to their employer and/or colleagues about a cancer diagnosis, highlighting that many still see a cancer diagnosis as taboo or are worried about the potential outcomes of this conversation.
Paul Avis, marketing director at Canada Life Group Insurance, said: “The fact that more than a third of people think they would get absolutely no support from their employer if diagnosed with cancer is extremely worrying.
"Hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK and it is becoming more common among those of working age.
"The likelihood of having cancer increases with age and with an ageing workforce, 73 per cent of whom have told us they cannot afford to retire, this is a problem that is going to get much worse.
“Cancer treatment can cause many to have to work reduced hours or stop working altogether. Sufferers should be able to make getting better their main priority without worrying about job security and financial stability.
“People who have personally experienced cancer are more skeptical about the support of their employer, which is particularly damning. While many employers might feel they are understanding and accommodating when it comes to cancer, it is clear that more needs to be done in terms of support.
“Benefits such as group critical illness and group income protection cover provide the best help employers can give to staff with cancer. Not only do they provide financial support at a time when household income can be stretched, they also come with a whole host of support services.
“It is vital that employers with these benefits communicate them properly to staff so they know the depth and breadth of support that can be used.”
Alan Lakey, director of Highclere Financial Services in Hemel Hempstead, said: "Like most advisers I find that employees, including senior management, have no idea of the sickness and/or life cover benefits that their employer offers.
"Many firms use the awful phrase 'at the directors' discretion' which is meaningless and implies some benefit that may not eventuate.
"It is for this reason that individual critical illness and income protection remains an essential component of any financial strategy."
stephanie.hawthorne@ft.com
