Core and Purple House Cancer Support urge the Government to support new ‘Cancer Care at Work’ initiative which helps employers support staff through their cancer journeys

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  • ‘Cancer Care at Work’, created by Core and Purple House Cancer Support, provides practical advice and guidance for employers who want to create or enhance their cancer support policy

 

  • Both organisations presented the initiative in Leinster House today, encouraging elected political representatives to support the framework

 

  • Only a quarter of employers feel their management teams are adequately trained to handle a cancer diagnosis in the workforce

Core, Ireland’s largest marketing communications company, and Purple House Cancer Support are calling on the Government to support the newly launched ‘Cancer Care at Work’ initiative, a framework that enables employers and businesses to create a policy and support system for employees who receive a cancer diagnosis or are supporting a loved one undergoing treatment.

 

Speaking to elected political representatives in Leinster House today, Core and Purple House Cancer Support, a leading cancer support centre in Ireland, who co-created the initiative, said that support from Government would encourage more employers and businesses to adopt the programme, resulting in greater support for those affected by cancer.

 

Approximately €80,000 in annual Government funding is also urgently needed to support the initiative. This funding would be used support the employment of a full-time HR training coordinator, who would act as a central link between businesses and support organisations to ensure effective policy implementation and provide specialist employer training.

 

Research carried out by Core and Purple House Cancer Support also revealed that only 25% of employers believe their management teams are adequately trained to handle a cancer diagnoses within the workforce, highlighting a lack of preparedness among employers which could result in a number of challenges for employees undergoing or recovering from treatment.

 

The research, which gathered insights from 1,000 members of the general public, 85 employers across various sectors in Ireland, and employees who have experienced cancer in the workplace, also revealed:

 

  • 88% of employees believe that a workplace cancer policy is important, but only 19% say their company has one
  • Over seven in ten (73%) believe a cancer diagnosis negatively impacts career progression with over half (57%) of employees who have had cancer confirming this
  • 91% of employers expressed a willingness to implement cancer support policies, yet fewer than one in five companies currently have one in place
  • Two thirds (67%) also said that the existence of a cancer support policy would influence their decision to work at a company
  • Half of adults would feel uncomfortable disclosing a diagnosis to an employer (49% of all adults with 13% not sure)
  • On the upside, seven in ten feel their employers would be supportive (73%)
  • 67% of Irish people say that a set policy designed to support cancer patients would influence their decision to work there

 

Companies can learn more or sign up at https://www.cancercareatwork.com/

Nicola Gillen, Chief of Staff at Core, said: “As a cancer survivor, I’ve experienced firsthand how vital it is to have an understanding and supportive employer throughout diagnosis and treatment. Sadly, many workplaces are not yet equipped to provide this essential support during such a life-changing time, that’s why the ‘Cancer Care at Work’ initiative is so crucial, it empowers businesses with the tools and confidence to respond with both empathy and structure. With one in two people likely to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, it’s imperative that employers adopt policies to support those affected. We urge the Government to actively promote this framework and encourage workplaces across the country to get involved – with the right support in place, people living with cancer can continue to work with dignity, purpose, and understanding.”

Conor O’Leary, Director of Operations at Purple House Cancer Support added: “At Purple House, over the past 35 years, we’ve supported thousands of individuals and families through the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. We know that the workplace can either be a source of strength or added stress during this time. That’s why we partnered with Core to co-create the ‘Cancer Care at Work’ initiative – bringing our decades of frontline experience into a practical framework that employers can use to support their staff with empathy and confidence. This initiative is not just about policy – it’s about people. With Government support, we can ensure that every workplace in Ireland has the tools to stand by their employees when they need it most.”