Date: 19th December, 2017
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) has today (19 December 2017) added its name to a charter aimed at helping employees who become terminally ill at work.
DWFRS is the latest fire and rescue service to sign up to the Dying to Work Voluntary Charter, following in the footsteps of West Midlands Fire Service, Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The charter is also supported by employers such as Rolls Royce, Royal Mail and the Co-op and 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.
Dying to Work 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 three years ago after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.
The TUC is asking employers to sign up to its voluntary charter to stop cases like Jacci’s happening in the future.
TUC South West, Regional Secretary, Nigel Costley said: “Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis. “I’m delighted that Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have shown real leadership in this area, working with unions to guarantee fair treatment for terminally-ill workers.
“Over 570,000 workers are now covered by the Dying to Work charter across the country, and we expect more employers to commit in the coming months.”
Chief Fire Officer, Ben Ansell said: “I’m very proud to have today signed the Dying to Work Charter on behalf of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. Already working within the spirit of the TUC charter, we continue to demonstrate to our staff that we remain committed to their continued health and wellbeing.
The charter represents a cornerstone in our progressive organisational culture, ensuring staff and their families will have peace of mind should they encounter a terminal diagnosis.”