POWYS Teaching Health Board (PTHB) has added its name to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Dying to Work Charter aimed at helping employees who become terminally ill at work.

PTHB has signed the charter offering additional protections to all of its staff.

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.

The Dying to Work Charter now covers over a million workers in the UK including staff at well-known employers such as Rolls Royce, Royal Mail and Lloyds Bank. 

Wales TUC’s Dying to Work Lead Gareth Hathway said: “Your job should be the least of your worries when you get a terminal diagnosis.

"Our NHS is there for us when we need it, and thanks to NHS employers and unions working together thousands of NHS Wales employees will be supported when they need it most.”

Carol Shillabeer, chief executive at Powys Teaching Health Board, said: “We are delighted to sign this charter in partnership with our Trade Union Partners and colleagues, as a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to our employees.

"By signing the charter it demonstrates our commitment to support and protect the rights of our employees who become terminally unwell.

"We are extremely proud as an organisation of our employees and aim to support the wellbeing of each and every employee, especially during a time when they are most vulnerable.”