Thank you to North of Tyne Combined Authority who signed the charter on 16^th December 2019 providing protection for their 30 employees.

North of Tyne Mayor, Jamie Driscoll, said:
“Being diagnosed with a terminal illness is about the worst thing that can happen to many people, it can upset everything in your life, and yet a lot of people are still in work when this happens. We’re calling for the law to be changed so that if someone is diagnosed they get protected status in their employment. And we think all good employers can do this anyway, which is why we’re signing up to it as the North of Tyne Combined Authority.”

Thank you to Royal College of Nursing who signed the charter on 13^th December 2019 providing protection for their 1,050 employees.

General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, Dame Donna Kinnair, said:
“Living with a terminal diagnosis can cause huge emotional stress, fear and uncertainty for the individual and their loved ones. “At times like these we are committed to doing everything possible to remove any additional stress and worry for all those involved. “By signing up to this charter we are demonstrating how much we value all of those who work for us whatever the circumstances their lives may bring them.” Head of People and Organisational Development, Liz Laughton, said: “We want our people to feel supported in work, so making this commitment was something we absolutely wanted to get behind. Indeed it’s something we, as a trade union, are encouraging other employers to do.”

Thank you to Hovis who signed the charter on 28^th November 2019 providing protection for their 2,700 employees.

HR Director, Pete Hill, said:
“For those who are given a terminal diagnosis, it is important that they can focus on themselves and their families without the stress of needing to worry about their employment. This is a practice that we have naturally adopted, so I did not hesitate in agreeing to sign the charter when asked to do so by our four unions, Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union (BFAWU), Unite the Union, United Road Transport Union (URTU) and Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW).”

Thank you to Northumbria Police who signed the charter on 28^th November 2019 providing protection for their 5,092 employees.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said:
“Your job should be the last thing on your mind when you’re given a terminal diagnosis. You need dignity, you need money – you need a responsible employer who will step up and help you through the difficulties that lie ahead. Our officers and staff help so many people in their times of need – it’s only right that our organisations do the same. This commitment is about offering peace of mind and the right to choose a course of action that’s right for you and your family. Every person battling terminal conditions should be able to choose how to spend their final months. I hope to see as many companies and organisations as possible sign up to the Dying to Work campaign to show employees that they are valued and will be given the support they rightly deserve.”

Thank you to The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who signed the charter on 28^th November 2019 providing protection for their 14,899 employees.

Trust CEO, Dame Jackie Daniel, said:
“It’s absolutely true to say that the people who work here are the most important part of the organisation. We could not provide such high quality care and services without everyone’s commitment and dedication to patients. "So, if a member of our team becomes terminally ill it’s vitally important that we provide them with the best possible care and support. “When a person is going through such a difficult time, they really shouldn’t need to worry about their work and by signing the charter Newcastle hospitals is committing to ensuring no member of staff will have to do that.”

Thank you to New College Durham who signed the charter on 18^th November 2019 providing protection for their 550 employees.

Principal, John Widdowson, said:
“The College supports our staff as they work hard to respond to the needs of our students and the community we serve. The Charter affirms our commitment that any member of staff who needs that support themselves when faced with the devastating news of a diagnosis of a terminal illness they will be treated with respect and dignity. "The Charter also recognises that the families of our staff dealing with such news also need comfort and support. "We had no hesitation in signing the Charter. It reflects our current practice and reaffirms our commitment to support our people as they deal with life’s challenges.”

Thank you to UNISON who signed the charter on 24^th October 2019 providing protection for their 1,200 employees.

Director of HR and Staff Learning and Development, Alan Farmer, said:
“UNISON is proud to be signing the Dying to Work Charter alongside our trade unions on behalf of our 1200 employees. Every person battling terminal conditions deserves the choice of how to spend their final months. When staff are faced with such tough diagnosis, we are committed to ensuring that they are treated with respect in a supportive work environment. We also recognise that if staff want to continue working, safe and reasonable work can maintain dignity and offer a therapeutic distraction.”

Thank you to Bridgend College who signed the charter on 4^th October 2019 providing protection for their 690 employees.

Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Bridgend College, Simon Pirotte, said:
“When people are at their most vulnerable they need employers to step up, not step away.”

Thank you to Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries who signed the charter on 1^st October 2019 providing protection for their 765 employees.

Chief Executive Officer, Peter Gaw, said:
“Our staff are our greatest asset and we are committed to supporting them as best we can at times when they are at their greatest need.”

Thank you to Wirral Council who signed the charter on 30^th September 2019 providing protection for their 3,239 employees.

Wirral Council cabinet member for finance and resources, Cllr Janette Williamson, said:
“Ensuring our staff are treated well and fairly is really important. It doesn’t take a charter for us to treat our staff with dignity when they are in such difficult circumstances but by signing this I hope we can set a positive example for employers across the borough.”