Hartlepool College commits to TUC’s Dying to Work Charter

The Dying to Work campaign is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers.

Hartlepool College of Further Education last month added its name to a TUC voluntary charter aimed at helping employees who become terminally ill whilst in work.

The College is the latest employer to sign up to the Dying to Work Charter, joining the ranks of other like-minded employers across the Northern Region.

The Charter is part of the TUC’s wider Dying to Work campaign which is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers where they cannot be dismissed as a result of their condition.   The Charter will protect over 300 members of staff employed at Hartlepool College.

Darren Hankey (Principal) signed the Charter on behalf of the College, along with Edwin Jeffries (UNISON Branch Secretary), Jo Potts (UCU Representative), and Beth Farhat (TUC Northern Regional Secretary).

Edwin Jeffries, UNISON Branch Secretary said:

“This is such a serious and important issue, and UNISON sees this as a really positive step for our members by Hartlepool College, who have committed to ensuring that any employee suffering a terminal illness will be supported and empowered to make decisions about their working life without fear of repercussions or loss of income.  

The Dying to Work campaign is seeking greater security for terminally ill workers where they cannot be dismissed as a result of their condition. The campaign was taken forward by the TUC following the case of Jacci Woodcook, an area sales manager from Derbyshire who was forced out of her job after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.  The TUC is asking employers to sign up to its charter to stop cases like Jacci’s happening in the future.

Find out more about the dying to work campaign