Business Disability Forum’s (BDF) Cancer Working Group is supported and overseen by the Work and Health Policy Forum, one of our policy-led forums and working groups. The working group begins in March 2026 in response to the UK Government’s publication of the National Cancer Plan (published on 4 February 2026).

Why a cancer working group and why now?

BDF responded to the 2022 consultation to inform the development of this Plan. To do so, we spoke to employers and people who have, or who are recovering from, cancer. We focused on the experience of cancer, treatment, employer-provided medical insurance, language, and care and support while continuing to work, or planning to return to work.

Work was an important element of the journey through cancer and/or recovery. We therefore emphasised in our consultation responses that we wanted to see work-related support and work as a recovery outcome for a national cancer strategy (where appropriate and where someone wants to and can work). We are pleased to see this has been realised in the National Cancer Plan that has been published.

You can read our consultation response here.

Who is the group and what will they do?

This working group will consist of employers, cancer organisations, rehabilitation and occupational therapists, and people who have (or who are recovering from) cancer while working in our member organisations. As this is a subgroup of the Work and Health Policy Forum, the group comprises members of this forum who want to work in more depth on cancer at work.

The terms and purpose of this group will be defined at the first meeting in March. However, this working group will focus on the experience of cancer while working, and how workplaces can better understand and support employees with or recovering from cancer, as per the recommendations of the National Cancer Plan.

Any questions?

For more information, please get in touch with your BDF Business Partner or contact the policy team at [email protected]