Your rights at work after a cancer diagnosis

The short version

  • Under the Equality Act 2010, cancer counts as a disability from the day you’re diagnosed, even if you’re well enough to work.1 In Northern Ireland, the Disability Discrimination Act protects people with cancer.2
  • Your employer must consider reasonable adjustments and must not treat you unfairly because of your cancer.2
  • Since April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid from the first day you’re off sick.3

This page explains the law in England, Scotland and Wales, with notes on Northern Ireland. It’s general information, not legal advice. For advice on your situation, contact Acas, Citizens Advice, your union or an employment solicitor.

You’re protected from diagnosis

You automatically meet the Equality Act’s definition of disability from the day you’re diagnosed with cancer. This applies to all cancers, and the protection continues after treatment ends.1, 2

What your employer must not do

Under the Equality Act, your employer must not:

  • treat you less favourably because you have cancer, for example by passing you over for promotion
  • treat you unfairly because of something linked to your cancer, such as time off for treatment, unless they can show it’s justified
  • fail to make reasonable adjustments
  • harass you, or victimise you for raising a complaint

Reasonable adjustments

Your employer must make reasonable changes so that you aren’t at a disadvantage at work. Examples include:2, 4

  • time off for treatment and follow-up appointments
  • a phased return to work
  • flexible or reduced hours
  • changes to your duties, such as less lifting or travel
  • working from home some of the time

Whether an adjustment is “reasonable” depends on things like cost and the effect on the business.2 Access to Work can help pay for practical support that goes beyond reasonable adjustments.5 Read returning to work after breast cancer.

Do I have to tell my employer?

No, you don’t have to tell your employer that you have cancer. But your employer can only make adjustments if they know you need them, so telling them, or occupational health, often helps. You can ask for your information to be kept confidential.

Sick pay

  • Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): from 6 April 2026, SSP is paid from the first day you’re off sick, and there’s no longer a minimum earnings level. It’s paid at £123.25 a week, or 80% of your average weekly earnings if that’s lower, for up to 28 weeks.3
  • Company sick pay: check your contract or staff handbook, as many employers pay more than SSP.
  • If you’re self-employed, or your sick pay runs out, you may be able to claim benefits. Macmillan’s free support line can help: 0808 808 00 00.

If things go wrong

  1. Talk to your manager or HR first, if you can. Keep notes of conversations, and copies of emails and letters.
  2. Raise a formal grievance if talking doesn’t solve the problem.
  3. Get free advice from Acas, Citizens Advice or your union.
  4. Watch the time limits. If you want to make a claim to an employment tribunal, you must first contact Acas for early conciliation. For problems on or after 1 October 2026, the time limit for most claims is 6 months minus 1 day (it was 3 months minus 1 day before then).6

In Northern Ireland, employment law and procedures are different. The Labour Relations Agency gives free advice.

Free advice

  • Acas: free, impartial advice on workplace rights.
  • Citizens Advice: help with work, benefits and money.
  • Macmillan Support Line: free on 0808 808 00 00, with specialist advisers on work and money.4
  • Your trade union, if you belong to one.

Related pages

Everyone’s treatment is different, so talk to your cancer team about what is right for you.

References

  1. GOV.UK. Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010. www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010
  2. Cancer Research UK. The Disability Discrimination Act, Equality Act and cancer. www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/practically/the-disability-discrimination-act-equality-act-and-cancer
  3. Acas. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). www.acas.org.uk/checking-sick-pay/statutory-sick-pay-ssp
  4. Macmillan Cancer Support. Returning to work. www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/work-and-cancer/returning-to-work
  5. GOV.UK. Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition. www.gov.uk/access-to-work
  6. Acas. Employment tribunal time limits. www.acas.org.uk/employment-tribunal-time-limits