Supporting staff with life-threatening or long-term conditions

Acas have highlighted that some employers are ill equipped to deal with staff who have life-threatening or long-term conditions such as cancer, HIV or multiple sclerosis. They may be unfamiliar with the law and in particular the implications for disability discrimination. How does your practice shape up?

Acas have launched a new guide to help employers manage staff who have a potentially life-threatening or long-term illness.

The online guide explains:

• how conditions such as cancer, HIV or multiple sclerosis are covered by the Equality Act 2010 at the point of diagnosis
• when and if an employee has to inform their employer
• the adjustments that might be considered reasonable, and particular considerations concerning cancer, HIV and MS

The guide also includes ‘top tips’ for managers on handling potentially life-threatening illnesses at work such as having an early conversation with staff members who have progressive illnesses very early on, getting an understanding of the illness and the effects it will have, keeping up-to-date with the medical condition and making sure employees are aware of their workplace rights, including sick pay and other benefit entitlements.

You can access the guide here