World Cancer Day took place recently on 4 February. Given the number of people diagnosed with cancer each year, the incidence of employees returning to work following a cancer diagnosis is not uncommon. However, research conducted in 2016 found that 18% of people diagnosed with cancer face discrimination from employers or colleagues on returning to work, 14% give up work or are made redundant, and 15% return to work before they feel ready. So what are employers’ legal duties in relation to employees with cancer and how can they be best supported? We look at this on our website.

About Sarah Jackman
Sarah specializes in employment law and is counsel in Dentons' Glasgow office. With extensive in-house experience in the financial services sector, she is a trusted advisor to many of our high-profile clients. Known for aligning her legal advice with clients' business priorities and culture, Sarah often acts as an extension of in-house legal and HR teams. Her background in banking gives her a deep understanding of HR's role in regulatory matters, allowing her to advise on both contentious and non-contentious issues – particularly those related to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime. Sarah is also a frequent speaker at client events and has a keen interest in employee wellbeing. In 2024, she was selected as an inaugural member of our Shadow Executive Team.
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We blogged in June last year about the employment tribunal claim of Ali -v- Capita Customer Management Ltd where Mr Ali was successful in his claim for direct sex discrimination. Female employees at Capita were entitled to 14 weeks’ full pay on maternity leave whereas fathers were only entitled to two weeks’ full pay on paternity and shared parental leave. Mr Ali's wife was advised to return to work early from maternity leave after being diagnosed with post natal depression. Mr Ali asked Capita whether he could take leave instead and was told he could take shared parental leave on statutory pay. The Tribunal found that this was direct sex discrimination.