While many employers take great care already, the Dying to Work campaign raises awareness of the important steps they can take to provide employees with dignity and peace of mind as they navigate a terminal diagnosis in work. 

 

Lee , 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. 

 

The charter already has over 400 employers signed up all over the UK from local businesses to public services big and small, covering over 1.5 million employees. Now with the Civil Service signed up, around 2 million employees are now protected by the 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.” 

 

“The bare minimum people facing terminal illness would expect is to have a sympathetic employer who treats them with dignity and respect, whilst dealing with the difficulties this brings.” Lee said at the announcement in Whitehall. 

 

“It is encouraging that the Civil Service is setting the standard, protecting vulnerable workers and giving them the freedom to decide whether to stay in work with the support they need.” 

 

“We’ll be continuing the campaign and raising its importance in Parliament.” he continued. “While it remains legal in this country to sack a worker diagnosed with a terminal illness there is more work to do.” 

 

The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Minister for Employment Rights Justin Madders and Cabinet Office Minister Georgia Gould all signed the charter together on behalf of the Civil Service. 

 

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