The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has launched a new guide on how to best assist workers who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and other serious illnesses.

The guide provides advice on how to ensure that workers who are currently undergoing treatment, or who are returning to work after treatment, are provided with all the help and support that they need.

According to ICTU general secretary, David Begg, the publication of this guide demonstrates the level of progress that has been made in this area, both in terms of treatment and workplace policies.

"Even a decade ago, we would not be having conversations about people returning to work after treatment, even less about how we could best adapt their working environment following treatment.

"There is still a long way to go, but this represents significant success for trade unions, who have long campaigned for better treatment and screening for people affected," he said.

The guide was prepared by ICTU legal affairs officer, Esther Lynch. She said that it aims is to help workers and their unions negotiate time off work plans, in order to minimise the financial impact of taking time off when ill.

"We now know that there is life during and after cancer and the guide will hopefully make that experience a better one for those undergoing treatment. Help from the union to negotiate the necessary time off can make all the difference," she insisted.

She noted that while every person's situation is unique, ‘we know from talking to members that workers want more control and flexibility in how they take time off for treatment and recovery'.

"People can and do return to a normal life after treatment. Hopefully this guide will help in that," Ms Lynch added.

The guide was prepared with support from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and the SIPTU trade union's health division.