Carers
Balancing work and caring can be demanding. If you're finding it difficult to juggle work and support your loved one, you're not alone.
Cancer and carers
Balancing work and caring can be demanding. If you're finding it difficult to juggle work and support your loved one, you're not alone. You have rights at work and there are laws in place to support you.
How to talk to an adviser
Our Work Support Service helps people with cancer and their carers understand their rights at work after a cancer diagnosis. It offers guidance on how to talk to employers, negotiate adjustments at work, sick pay and taking time off. It can also refer people who need it to one-off legal advice.
You can contact the Work Support Service using the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
Our work advisers are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
You can contact the Work Support Service using the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
Our work advisers are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Further information
There are a range of issues that we know affect people caring for someone with cancer who are working:
- Your rights at work
- Talking about your caring responsibilities at work
- Making decisions about work
You can find out more about these topics from our Working while caring for someone with cancer booklet.
We also have more information on:
- Practical issues of being a carer including planning, getting support and finance and benefits for carers.
- Emotional support when you are a carer including looking after yourself and the effect of being a carer on relationships.
Booklets and resources
This booklet is about working while caring for someone with cancer. It is for carers.
How we can help
Clinical Information Nurse Specialists
Our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists are dedicated cancer nurses available to talk to on our Macmillan Cancer Support Line.
Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. If you need to talk, we'll listen.
Financial guidance
Financial issues can cause worry when someone becomes ill. You may be able to claim benefits to help you in your situation. You may also be able to get financial assistance from other organisations.
Welfare rights advice and tools
There are lots of benefits that could help you after a cancer diagnosis, but the system can be confusing. Our Welfare Rights Advisors are here to help.