25.08.16
First London council signs ‘Dying to Work’ charter
GMB has welcomed Harrow council’s support for a charter designed to guarantee the rights of terminally ill workers.
Harrow is the first London council to sign the ‘Dying to Work’ charter, which commits employers to provide security of work, peace of mind and the right to choose the best course of action for terminally ill workers and their families.
The charter has previously been signed by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, as well as employers including energy company Eon and Central College Nottingham.
Cllr Sachin Shah, leader of Harrow council, said: “I am proud that Harrow is the first London borough to sign this charter to protect terminally ill employees.
“The last thing they need is additional stress and worry about their jobs on top of what is already a challenging time. We are committed to support terminally ill employees following diagnosis and will make sure they are given peace of mind and dignity.”
Cllr Shah, along with Harrow’s chief executive Michael Lockwood, met with Warren Kenny, GMB London’s regional secretary, on 23 August in order to sign the charter.
Kenny said: “GMB has supported the Dying to Work campaign from the very beginning because we believe that all terminally ill workers should get the support they need whether they decide to continue work or not.
“We are delighted that Harrow Council has chosen to sign the voluntary charter to ensure that, should the unthinkable happen, workers will have both choice and security at work.”
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