Work on support for cancer patients
BEING diagnosed with cancer is one of the most devastating experiences it is possible to imagine.
The least someone living through such a nightmare should expect is support and understanding from their employer.
Unfortunately, research published in today’s Record shows this is not the case.
Instead, there is widespread evidence of vulnerable people being mistreated in a way that threatens their livelihood.
It is staggering that nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of Scottish managers would have concerns about employing someone who has or has had cancer.
Given that statistic, it is hardly surprising that 16 per cent of cancer survivors have reported facing discriminatory treatment on returning to work.
However, it is still depressing that this is the reality in offices up and down Scotland.
Macmillan Cancer Support, who commissioned the research, say desperate Scots have inundated their support services with requests for help.
Cases they have dealt with include bosses who made it difficult for cancer patients to take time off for chemotherapy.
There is also evidence people with cancer can be targeted for redundancy, with their levels of sick leave often held against them.
This type of treatment is despicable. But, more importantly, it is also illegal.
If a person has cancer, the law considers them to be disabled. This means they cannot be treated less favourably than others because they have cancer.
On the evidence of this research, employers up and down Scotland are guilty of discrimination against cancer victims. This is a scandal that should be taken as seriously as any other form of discrimination. CANCER PATIENTS MISTREATED – PAGES 12&13 PRICE WATCH 60ins LG television BY NADA FARHOUD BLACK Friday shoppers have been warned to be on their guard after nine out 10 “deals” in last year’s sale were found to be cheaper or the same price at other times of the year.
Which? tracked the prices of 94 popular products, including TVs, cameras and fitness trackers, from six months before until six months afterwards Black Friday, 2017.
Almost 90 per cent were cheaper at other times of the year.
The LG 60UJ630V, a 60ins, 4K television, was advertised at £799 by Amazon on Black Friday but was £50 cheaper on at least 62 occasions afterwards.
The price fell a further £150 for at least four days at the end of December and beginning of January.
Which? are now urging shoppers not to feel pressured into making a purchase on Friday.
Which? managing director of home products and services Alex Neill said: “The results of our investigation will disappoint many who are expecting nothing but bargains this Black Friday.
“While retailers are bombarding us with promises of great discounts and time-limited sales, it’s clear that not all deals are as good as they might appear.
“To bag a bargain, do your research and don’t get carried away by the hype.”
Amazon said: “We offer many thousands of incredible deals around Black Friday representing millions of pounds of savings for our customers across a vast selection of products.” Still confused? We teamed up with Which? to bring you the best tips for Black Friday shopping and tell you how to stay safe doing the sales online.