UNISON was delighted to attend along with FBU and TUC representatives to sign the Dying to Work Charter with Cleveland Fire Brigade.
The charter sets out an agreed way in which workers will be supported, protected and guided throughout their employment should they suffer the misfortune of receiving a terminal diagnosis.
Councillor Jan Brunton-Dobson, Chairperson of Cleveland Fire Authority; Chief Fire Officer, Ian Hayton; and TUC Regional Secretary, Beth Farhat identified the security the Fire Brigade staff could rely upon knowing that they would be supported with safe and reasonable work which would maintain an individual’s dignity should they develop a terminal condition.
UNISON Hartlepool Local Government Branch Secretary, Edwin Jeffries said, “We support the TUC’s Dying to Work campaign so that all employees battling terminal illness have adequate employment protection and have their death-in-service benefits protected for the loved ones they leave behind”.
Duncan Rothwell, UNISON Regional Organiser said, “Workers who suffer a terminal illness will require support and understanding. This charter guarantees to avoid additional stress and worry being placed upon them.”