I will try to be brief in the history, my uncle was diagnosed with lung cancer in April of last year, because of his illness he lost his business and ended up with a large amount of debt. My aunt works full time not sure of her earnings but the do receive £19 a week working tax credits, he also receives DLA, high rate care and high rate mobility.
They have been struggling to live day to day, because of bills, mortgage etc. He had chemo & radiotherapy from July - Oct last year which he had responded well to, but became symptomatic again 3-4 weeks ago, he was hospitalised and they were seen by consultant this week & given the devastating news that it has spread, he is going to have a more aggressive chemo starting next week, but they have told them it is unlikely to respond to treatment. They did tell my aunt while they can't predict a time scale, it will be a few weeks & if he does respond to chemo it would not cure, but would buy him an extra few months.
Have visited today, my cousin bought them food as they only had £1 odd to last them until next Monday. My aunt is obviously devastated and when uncle left room, asked me about working, she wants to stop working in order to spend all the time she can with him before the inevitable.
She works as a receptionist at a GP surgery, and over past 11 months they have not been particularly understanding, she had to prove he had cancer, use her holidays to take him to appointments or treatments if other family members weren't available to help etc. She also has had about 4 weeks of sickness during this time.
From what I can understand she only gets 6 weeks sick pay, and is currently off sick, last week was because of genuine illness, this week is because she is devastated and in no fit state to work. I don't think giving up her job would be in her best interests long term, and I think she would be very lonely when we lose my uncle. She also enjoys her job and said she would go back to work afterwards. But given the current economic climate, it may not be that easy as she has no paper qualifications.
Would she be entitled to ask her employer for unpaid leave for the next few months? If it was permitted would she be able to claim any benefits otherwise they would not be able to pay mortgage/bills etc. If the employer does not have to give her unpaid leave and she has to resign, would she be sanctioned by the benefits people for giving up her job under such circumstances?
My aunt is 43, my uncle is 58, they have one child living at home (21 on ESA), and another 27 in full time employment who helps out as much as she can financially and practically. While I can help practically, am unable to help financially. But would not like to see them losing their home while she cares for him in his final days.
They have been struggling to live day to day, because of bills, mortgage etc. He had chemo & radiotherapy from July - Oct last year which he had responded well to, but became symptomatic again 3-4 weeks ago, he was hospitalised and they were seen by consultant this week & given the devastating news that it has spread, he is going to have a more aggressive chemo starting next week, but they have told them it is unlikely to respond to treatment. They did tell my aunt while they can't predict a time scale, it will be a few weeks & if he does respond to chemo it would not cure, but would buy him an extra few months.
Have visited today, my cousin bought them food as they only had £1 odd to last them until next Monday. My aunt is obviously devastated and when uncle left room, asked me about working, she wants to stop working in order to spend all the time she can with him before the inevitable.
She works as a receptionist at a GP surgery, and over past 11 months they have not been particularly understanding, she had to prove he had cancer, use her holidays to take him to appointments or treatments if other family members weren't available to help etc. She also has had about 4 weeks of sickness during this time.
From what I can understand she only gets 6 weeks sick pay, and is currently off sick, last week was because of genuine illness, this week is because she is devastated and in no fit state to work. I don't think giving up her job would be in her best interests long term, and I think she would be very lonely when we lose my uncle. She also enjoys her job and said she would go back to work afterwards. But given the current economic climate, it may not be that easy as she has no paper qualifications.
Would she be entitled to ask her employer for unpaid leave for the next few months? If it was permitted would she be able to claim any benefits otherwise they would not be able to pay mortgage/bills etc. If the employer does not have to give her unpaid leave and she has to resign, would she be sanctioned by the benefits people for giving up her job under such circumstances?
My aunt is 43, my uncle is 58, they have one child living at home (21 on ESA), and another 27 in full time employment who helps out as much as she can financially and practically. While I can help practically, am unable to help financially. But would not like to see them losing their home while she cares for him in his final days.