Region's employers ‘show up’ for cancer at work

Employers across the region are taking proactive steps to support their workforce on cancer by pledging to respond consistently and compassionately when the disease affects any of their teams.

Almost a million people of working age are living with cancer in the UK, and around half of all new cancer diagnoses in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw are expected to be among people aged 18 to 64.

Earlier detection can reduce the impact of treatment and time away from work, and a Macmillan survey found that 85% of people with cancer who were employed at the time of their diagnosis said it was important for them to continue working.

Many employers in our region have already signed up to the Shows Up partnership strategy which encourages them to support employees in practical and emotional ways during their cancer journey and help them to stay in or return to work.

This aligns with aims set out in the Government’s new National Cancer Plan launched last week. It announced the introduction this year of a new employer collaborative with private and public sector employers, the Government’s Joint Work and Health Directorate, cancer charities and clinicians, who will work together to develop resources for organisations who look after their employees when they get cancer.

The collaborative will actively help employers develop best-in-class support for their workers, including return-to-work programmes, workplace adjustments and sustained in-work support

So far, organisations representing almost 40,000 employees across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw have pledged to ‘show up’ for their people in this way, already putting the National Plan’s ambitions into practice. They include global manufacturers, universities, NHS trusts, football community foundations and voluntary sector organisations, who are focused on improving cancer outcomes as part of the Shows Up strategy.  

The pledge is described as a statement of intent rather than a compliance exercise: “Most employers want to do the right thing when cancer affects their workforce, but they don’t always know where to start or have time to search for the right information,” said Julia Jessop, Managing Director of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance.

“The pledge isn’t about adding work, policies or paperwork. It’s about making it easier for employers, particularly smaller organisations and those in the voluntary sector, to access trusted, free resources when they need them, and to learn from what others in the region are already doing well.”

Employers are invited to access the online Shows Up Employer Hub, which brings together guidance covering the full workforce cancer journey.

The hub includes resources produced by cancer charities along with health and HR professionals across the UK, plus locally developed materials created with Sheffield Hallam University and Weston Park Cancer Charity. Topics include building active workplaces, raising awareness of symptoms and screening, and supporting conversations where a colleague may need encouragement to visit their GP.

The programme is working directly with employers to share case studies highlighting existing good practice in the region and to develop new resources informed by employer feedback.

Pledging employers receive introductory guidance on getting started and are invited to regular online sessions held in partnership with Weston Park Cancer Charity, where those attending can share learning and hear about available resources.

The next online session will take place on Friday 20 February, with invitations issued directly to pledging organisations. Employers of any size can pledge or explore the online hub at https://employers.sybshowsup.com/