Sandwell Council is the first local authority to back new campaign supporting terminally-ill employees in the workplace.

The campaign, Dying to Work, was launched by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) earlier this year in order to ensure all employees battling a terminal illness have adequate employment protection.

Sandwell leader, Cllr Steve Eling, said: ‘We recognise that employees with terminal illnesses require support and understanding, and not the additional stress and worry about possibly losing their job.

‘We will set out to support terminally-ill employees following their diagnosis and to recognise that safe and reasonable work can maintain dignity and offer a valuable distraction.’

Cllr Eling said the new rules would provide job security and peace of mind.

He also added the council will provide appropriate training to line managers and Human Resources staff on the best ways of dealing with terminal illness.

Joe Morgan, GMB regional secretary and regional chair of the TUC Midlands, said: ‘I've seen lots of cases where GMB has had to provide advice and support to members in different industries who were fighting both a terminal condition and also the prospect of losing their job and financial security.

‘This is clearly not acceptable and this is what the Dying to Work campaign is for. It's about giving people battling a terminal condition both choice and security. Choice in how to spend their final months and security knowing their job is protected and the future financial security of their family is guaranteed.’