MP Leads Dying to Work Campaign in Parliament

Posted on 18th March 2025 at 10:34

Dying to Work

Lee Barron is spearheading the Parliamentary campaign that would see employees with a terminal illness recognised as a ‘protected characteristic’ which has moved a step closer to implementing the policy across Whitehall.

The Dying to Work campaign, established by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), wants to see terminal illness recognised as a ‘protected characteristic’ so that an employee with a terminal illness would enjoy a ‘protected period’ where they could not be dismissed as a result of their condition.

Lee Barron, who before being elected an MP, was Regional Secretary for the TUC in the Midlands, has been championing the campaign since being elected to Westminster in July 2024.

It’s legal in this country to sack a worker diagnosed with a terminal illness. That is wrong. Lee recently met with Georgia Gould MP, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office to agree ways to get central government to sign up to the TUC Dying to Work Charter.

In reality this means committing the employer, in this case the UK Government, to support, not sack terminally ill workers.

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Lee has joined with the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to pledge more support for those diagnosed with a terminal illness, as the Civil Service joins hundreds of employers already leading the way in ensuring best practice for people facing the most difficult time of their lives, by signing the Dying to Work Charter.

“No one battling terminal illness should ever have to face extra stress and worry over their job security at what is already the most challenging time for them and their loved ones.” said Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. “It is vital at such a difficult time that employees with a terminal diagnosis are treated sensitively and with the best support – that’s why I’m so proud we are backing this charter.”

You can watch a recording of the debate at Employment rights of people with a terminal illness - Full Westminster Hall Debate (19/12/2024)

The Dying to Work campaign has explained the potential effects of losing employment following a terminal diagnosis which include a reduced income and loss of financial security, loss of stimulation, dignity and normality associated with being in employment, undergoing an inevitably stressful and upsetting HR procedure and loss of ‘Death in Service’ and ‘Life Assurance’ payments to family members and loved ones.

A number of employers in Corby and East Northants, where Lee Barron is the Member of Parliament, have already signed up to the Charter. These include RS Components, Wincanton and the Royal Mail.