Is this allowed? Directors of the company I work for have been making comments about the time I had off for my cancer treatment

Good afternoon All, 

I have recently been diagnosed with Cancer and i have had to take time off work for the operation and multiple doctors appointments, I have also had complications caused by the surgery which has lead to more time off work including major spine surgery to stop me from being paralyzed from the waist down. 

The company i work for have been fantastic and have decided to support me with full pay for the time i have had off, which has been a fantastic support however i have been back to work for three weeks now and the directors keep making comments about the time i have had off.

Even today when i was being penalized for not answer my to other colleagues when i am at work (the reason i don't answer or miss calls is because i am busy all day, i don't ignore anyone on purpose) i stated that the company policy stats that I shouldn't use my personal phone during working hours, so i cant be punished for this... their response was, "where is it in the company policies to pay for you to have time off because of cancer" 

the company i work for is very toxic and i want too leave due to the back stabbing, but i am fearful that if i do leave they will want the money back that they've paid me for my treatment.

  • I would ring ACAS and get some advice from them ,they deal with all kinds of employee issues grievances etc , I don't believe they have any right to say such things to you either its disgraceful ....

  • Hi Owen

    One thing you can do without having been through the cancer mill,l is to be subjected to bulling either by colleagues or directors.

    It is worth looking through you contract to the section on sick pay. Many companies will allow a certain amount of time off on full pay or part pay or it may be discretionary.

    Keep a diary of events as they occur. If you are forced out of your job due to bullying or toxic attitude, this is known as constructive dismissal and can cost your company a lot of money in compensation and legal fees, far more than the sick pay they begrudgingly paid you. Also take Jenny's advice on contacting ACAS or your union if you belong to one.

    One in two people will get cancer so that is half your company including the directors. It would pay them to be show some compassion to you, to pave the way so that when their time comes they are afforded the same respect.

    Best of luck for a good outcome both for your cancer and your work situation.

    Ed