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Home > Get involved > Campaign with us > Parents right to care >Balancing work and care - the issues
Immediately after a child’s cancer diagnosis comes months, often years of treatment with extra costs like travel and accommodation near hospital quickly mounting up. As parents cut back on work in order to care, income plummets. Parents are weighed down by huge financial pressure. Employers need answers about commitment and parents are torn between their work and wanting to be at their child’s side.
Balancing work and care – the facts
We interviewed more than fifty families dealing with childhood cancer and found that:
- 91% of families surveyed changed their working patterns when their child was diagnosed with cancer.
- 49% of families used their own holiday allowance or sick leave to care for their child.
- In some families, one or both parents had to give up work altogether to care for their child with cancer.
Flexible working?
Currently, there is a right to request flexible working. However, it doesn’t suit everyone. Often parents are not in a fit state to negotiate, and employers don’t have to agree to it. Many parents just cannot keep on working, even flexibly, as their child undergoes intensive and often prolonged, life saving treatment. Where can a parent be but at their child's bedside at this time?
top of pageFor further information please read Chris's story, email campaigns@clicsargent.org.uk or telephone CLIC Sargent campaigns on 020 8752 2888.
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