TUC Dying to Work Charter

Many workers get seriously ill at some time in their lives. They may need time off, sometimes for months, to get treatment or to get well again. There are times however when there is no effective treatment. In those cases, the worker and their families face huge emotional stress, fear, and possible financial concerns. 

The Dying to Work Charter can help alleviate some of that stress and sets out an agreed way forward in which an employee with NHS Scotland should be treated and supported in the event of a terminal diagnosis.

The Charter is about choice. It’s about giving an individual options around how they want to proceed at work. In some cases, an individual will want to continue to work as long as they can, for financial security or because work can be a helpful distraction from their illness. In other cases a person may decide that they do not want to work anymore and would rather spend their remaining time with family and friends, getting their affairs in order, or simply doing what they want. Whatever choice a person makes they should expect help and support from their employer.

Jeane Freeman, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport announced on 24 March 2021, that NHS Scotland will adopt the TUC Dying to Work Charter and that this will be fully implemented in all Health Boards across Scotland. Click to view announcement.

The Scottish Partnership Forum Co-Chairs responded to the announcement on 30 March 2020. Click here to view response statement.