The Dying to Work Campaign, championed by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and fully supported by UCU, encourages employer organisations to support employees who have a terminal illness at a time of emotional stress, fear and uncertainty. The impact of a terminal illness will vary from individual to individual, but it is important to recognise that for some, they may decide to continue working, as it can be a key part of their coping approach to receiving a terminal diagnosis, as well as to meet their financial security needs for their loved ones.

The Dying to Work Charter ensures that any organisation that is a signatory has agreed to ensure these people are fully supported during this time with respect, are able  to access all employment in service financial benefits, and will not have their employment terminated on the basis they have a terminal condition. Essentially, the Dying to Work Charter promotes an individual’s choice around various options as to how they may want to continue with their work. UCU are committed to ensuring that every person who has received a terminal diagnosis is supported and their individual choices are respected within the work environment.

There are various other Welsh organisations that are signatories to the Charter, such as Public Health Wales, Natural Resources Wales, Adult Learning Wales, Health Education & Improvement Wales, Hywel Dda, University Health Board Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Wrexham Glyndwr University, Gower College Swansea, Swansea Council and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. Whilst Swansea University (SU) is currently not a signatory to the Dying to Work Charter, it is important to recognise that as an organisation it does have several policies and procedures that align to the key principles outlined in the charter.

The UCU Swansea Branch are currently liaising with the other Swansea University Trade Unions as well as engaging with Swansea University to:

• Review SU current policies and procedures to determine how they align to the principles of the Dying To Work Charter

• Detail how current SU support procedures and policies can be collated into a Dying to Work Employee Assistance Programme that will clearly describe the support that Swansea University can provide to any colleague with a terminal illness, including access to counselling, occupational health support and financial advice.

• Explore, detail and develop the provision of training to line managers and all HR staff on how to support colleagues with terminal illness to continue to work, including how any recommended adaptations to work arrangements can be implemented and to signpost colleagues to the various support services offered by Swansea University and other external organisations.

These are key components of the Charter, and it is hoped that the outcome from this collaborative working will form the basis for Swansea University to formally adopt the Dying to Work Charter.  This will ensure that our colleagues who receive a terminal diagnosis are supported with dignity and respect, without undue financial loss at a time when they, and their families, may need it most.