A report, by Oxford Economics with Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres and insurer Unum, reveals as many as 63,000 people living with cancer today want to work, but are encountering barriers that prevent them from doing so.
Research found despite employers' initial efforts to support returning to work, relationships can unintentionally, breakdown due to lack of meaningful communication and shared understanding from both sides.
The research describes this as a ‘triple whammy' effect: diagnosis, followed by job loss or negative experiences at work, leading to a total collapse in self esteem.
Employers also lose out as a result, through lost talent, decreased staff morale and a negative effect on their bottom line of managing absence and replacement costs.
Maggie's and Unum are encouraging dialogue between people with cancer and employers to help avoid these barriers.
The two are launching a partnership to provide support to address the barriers facing both employers and people living with cancer through educational events and resources.
Joy Reymond, Head of Rehabilitation & Health Management Services at Unum, said:
"Employers want to do the right thing by their staff, but are often stumbling in the dark, without guidance.
"The role of the line manager too cannot be underestimated. The report shows they often have the biggest impact on someone's experience of working with cancer because they are often the main contact the employee has with their employer. Our partnership with Maggie's aims to give employers the support they need, including ways they can educate staff at all levels to approach this in the right way.
"With the right support and guidance these barriers can be overcome, and those living with cancer who choose to work can do so, avoiding the ‘triple whammy' effect and benefitting society as a whole."
The partnership between Maggie's and Unum will begin with the first of a series of free education events and resources aimed at employers, taking place in the Maggie's Centre in London.
Each of the nine Maggie's centres across the UK will also host events throughout 2013.
