Bus Driver Given Warning By Employer For Taking Time Off For Cancer Treatment

Sep 19, 2019 by apost team

Bus driver Duncan Hadfield from North Hull, UK, was slapped with a three-month warning from his employer for taking time off work to undergo cancer therapy. 

Hadfield had been employed as a bus driver by Stagecoach East Midlands for several years when he learned that he had advanced bladder cancer. As part of the treatment recommended by his doctor, his prostate and bladder had to be surgically removed. Before surgery, he had numerous appointments, and he notified his employer about each absence from work.

According to the Mirror, his employer agreed to let him have time off for the appointments as well as for the surgery. However, approximately a month after he returned to work, he was notified that a disciplinary interview would be conducted to investigate the management of his absence.

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Hadfield had originally planned to return to work full-time in February, but complications from the surgery and other treatments prevented him from doing so. He did not return until June. However, he notified his employer about this extension to his absence as well, and they were initially supportive. During the disciplinary interview that took place upon his return, he was given a 3-month verbal warning.

In response to the controversy, the company came out with a statement, saying:

"We know that our people can face health challenges during the course of their employment and we always aim to treat these situations sensitively. Our policy as a responsible employer is to help them through what can be a very stressful time, as well as working with them as appropriate to help with a phased return to work."

"We are unable to comment on specific cases in detail, however we can confirm we are currently investigating how the situation involving one of our employees has been managed, including reviewing the decisions which were taken."

"Stagecoach are working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, to help raise money throughout the East Midlands to help care and support cancer patients and their loved ones.”

Have you had a similar experience in your workplace or has your employer been overwhelmingly supportive of your need to take personal time off? We want to know more about your story, so make sure you let us know in the comments below.