Answer Cancer is calling on organisations and employers across Greater Manchester to take our new Bee Seen, Get Screened workplace pledge.

This pledge guarantees that employees will be able to take time off work to attend cancer screening appointments, or be offered flexible working conditions where appropriate.

 

Employers will also pledge to help raise awareness about cancer screening within their workplace through activities such as hosting events, using internal communication channels and displaying posters.

By taking part, employers are demonstrating that they value their staff and care for their health & well-being, and are a socially responsible organisation which supports the NHS and our healthcare professionals. By helping to catch cancer earlier when it is easier to treat, they may also see other benefits such as a reduced long-term sickness rate and greater staff retention.

Cancer screening rates across Greater Manchester are some of the lowest in the country. We know that one of the barriers can be getting an appointment to fit around work and other commitments. For example, according to recent research by Jo’s Trust, only 1 in 5 full-time workers were able to get a convenient cervical screening appointment last time they tried to book. This pledge simply requires employers to treat cancer screening like any other hospital or GP appointment.

To find out more about the Bee Seen, Get Screened Workplace pledge, visit here or contact info@answercancergm.org.uk