At what stage should one tell the boss that I have cancer and need treatment, I’ve been having blood tests /biopsy and scans on sick days and half days, I now have a definate diagnosis and am in for a wee op next week , I some how think "the flu " will cover it, what do I say ?
Sorry to hear that mate. Im sure your gaffer will be understanding, I had a bit of a scare before Xmas, thankfully everything was ok, but I was ok to get time off for scans and tests and stuff. Just be upfront about it mate, after all its not your fault is it? All the best mate 
Sorry to hear your news, Teatime. I hope all goes well with the operation on Wednesday.
I think Bugcos is right - honesty is the best policy. 
If you work for a large firm, they will probably have an Employee Manual. Most will have a section for dealing with serious illness i.e. how much information and notice you need to give the company and what they will do to support you in return.
Let us know how everything goes - we’re thinking of you 
Hi teatime, Sorry to hear your news. 
I’d go with the other posters on this mate, honesty with your boss is best IMHO.
I hope the op goes well for you, please let us know.
I told my boss as soon as I found out…It made it easier to arrange days off etc for scans, I ended up having four months off work…Wouldn’t have got away with telling him it was flu
Hope you get it sorted ok
Hello Teatime, as every one else has posted
,tell your boss, All the best for the op, and
as we say over here, Gute Besserung;
IMPORTANT!!!
Cancer is now the same as MS in that it is legally classed as a disability, and covered automatically from the point of diagnosis by the Disability Discrimination Act. The DDA gives you the legal right to time off for appointments, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as forcing your employer to make “reasonable adjustments” to the way you work if these become necessary. You have nothing to fear by telling your employer, and possibly a good deal to gain. He can’t apply the law if he doesn’t know you are covered by it. The DDA is there for your protection, make the most of it. 
Good luck with everything. (((HUGS)))
Sorry to hear the bad news, but I think like everybody else nows the time to tell him.
Well I did the deed this afternoon, produced the admission letter as proof, brimmed the tanks off , polished the cab, got me gear and was sent home home.
I dont know what is happening, I’ve only been there 2 months and 3 weeks and not got a contract of employment.
Thanks for your advice Lucy, I didnt know about the DDA.
On the upside I have renewed my passport
Hi Teatime, I’m glad that everything is out in the open.
I know you have a lot to think about at the moment, but the following link might be useful:
direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ … G_10027905
Some useful extracts include:
What is an employment contract?
An employment contract, or ‘contract of employment’, is an agreement between an employer and an employee which sets out their employment rights, responsibilities and duties. These are called the ‘terms’ of the contract.
Your employment contract doesn’t have to be in writing. However, you are entitled to a written statement of your main employment terms within two months of starting work.
Your employment contract doesn’t have to be in writing. However, you are entitled to a written statement of your main employment terms within two months of starting work.
The employment contract is made as soon as you accept a job offer. If you start work it will show that you accepted the job on the terms offered by the employer, even if you don’t know what they are. Having a written contract could cut out disputes with your employer at a later date, and will help you understand your employment rights.
Written statement of employment particulars
If you are an employee who has been working for your employer for longer than one month, you have the right to receive a written statement of employment particulars. This must be provided by your employer within two months of you starting, even if you are going to work for them for less than two months. The written statement will set out some of your main employment rights.
I hope this is useful for you.
Good luck with the operation next week
I hope the operation went ok Teatime.
I`ve had two bouts of cancer and found honesty was the best policy with the boss.
Cancer is still a bit of a tabboo word but its more common than people think, and with advances in modern treatment its becoming easier to control and cure than in the past.
I hope things turn out ok.
Thanks for your replies, once I woke up the surgeon was round to see me, They took a third of the big tumor but were unable to get the rest, and the other buggers remain. I get to see another consultant soon to discuss a plan of action.
I got home last night and in the post was a get well card and P45 and a note explaining that " I would not be required after my trial period".
At the moment I’m a bit disorientated ( and constapated, what is it with hospital food ? ) I suppose its a case of see a solicitor next week, and what happens about job hunting , paying the mortgage.
I dont know what to be more angry about, beeing doomed or getting the [zb].
( language edit ) jd
teatime:
I got home last night and in the post was a get well card and P45 and a note explaining that " I would not be required after my trial period".
God I’m sorry TT I will point Lucy in this direction because she is far more knowledgeable than anyone I know when it comes to the legal implications to poor health. I’m sure others will be along who can help too but in the mean time try to concerntrate on a speedy recovery from your surgery and take it easy mate.
Ladytrucker, I will see what the solicitor says when I get to see him . I know its not right but these days its difficult. I feel fine, been driving the digger this morning and buggering about on the farm , stitches holding although bowels still a bit solid
Hmmm…Difficult one. Because you were on trial there may well not be a lot you can do unless you can prove the decision was because of your cancer. This is the problem with Discrimination Law, it’s great on paper but in practice as long as they don’t say that’s why you’re being laid off, they can get away with it. I’m guessing it’ll come down to your work record up to that point and/or whether there was a proveable downturn in work they could use as an excuse. As far as I know there is no “waiting time” (minimum period to be in employment before Unfair Dismissal can be claimed) when dealing with Disability Discrimination, and the Employment Tribunals take a VERY dim view.
Talking to a solicitor is definately the way forward, best of luck and let me know what happens. Just what you don’t need right now, eh?
Take care, and make the most of the enforced break to look after yourself. (((HUGS)))
Thanks Lucy, and just when I thought it wont get worse, the tumble dryer expired in a cloud of fluff and smoke
your comment about proveable downturn in work interests me as this company is needing lgv1 drivers, to the extent they have taken " an interest" in a rival firm to get manpower and trailers.
Its strange the thoughts that go through your head, Ive been married 26 years but I recon I 've only seen her for 10 of them , I wonder, does she take sugar ■■?
Now, Teatime, if you’ve been married to her for 26 years, surely you know that she’s sweet enough?! 
I’m glad that you’re out of hospital and pottering around
teatime:
doomed
No, you’re not, but it sounds like the tumble dryer may be!
I’m sorry that they couldn’t get all the tumours out, but hopefully they’ll have a plan when you go back to see the other consultant.
Good luck with the legal advice (remember to use any legal helplines you get for your car/home insurance) and concentrate on getting better.
well I saw the solicitor this afternoon… She found I more amusing than outragous the trial period would have expired on the 31th of march and as there is plenty of work in the firm and I had nod done anything to jepadise my job she feels it is unfair dismissal. the disability discrimination thing not only applies from the first day of work but can be used where an interview or acses to an interview is denied on the basis of a disability so even before you get the job 
She is writing to them to give in writing the reason that I was unsuitable and at what time in the trial period that was decided.
first half hour free, then she charges £210 per hour but as I am “unwaged” I am to claim legal aid, Im becoming a scrounger at last.
A case of wait and see.been to pub for medicine and beel better
Excellent stuff! 
Good luck with everything and let us know what happens.
A very curt phone call this morning from the boss, report for work monday 7am and phone put down . Looks like he got the solicitors letter then.
I wonder how hellish its going to be next week , especialy as I have to have monday Pm off to have stitches out and see about the “treatment” on friday.