Hi there, I was diagnosed with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL') after having a routine mammogram at 50yrs old. I am now 54 and have been living quite well, with no real symptoms so am on Watch and Wait. I am careful to look after my health and so far this has been working for me. I work in a school as a Sixth Form Administrator. I have my own office with a window. I am being asked to move into a smaller office with no window or air con - basically a cupboard! I am worried that the lack of ventilation and natural light will have an effect on my health and in turn leave me susceptible to infection and Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL') complications. Can I have your thoughts please?
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Hello there @Abbs, welcome to the forum. May I say how great it is to read how well you’ve been doing since your diagnosis with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL'), sounds like Watch and Wait AKA active monitoring is working. Good stuff.
I think I’d have worries too about changing from an office with a window to a windowless cupboard! Perhaps, because your diagnosis has not thrown up symptoms, your workplace take your good health as a sign that they don’t need to offer you adaptations. But Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL') is definitely classed as a cancer and so your workplace need to make reasonable adjustments: Working with blood cancer | Blood Cancer UK
I’d suggest giving the lovely Blood Cancer UK nurses a free call on 0808 2080 888. You could ask them about points of note from that link above, and any other queries about the Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL'). They are experts in all this and can point you towards specific resources relating to working with blood cancer and your legal rights if you don’t find them above.
I’d say have a look around the forum too, using the search box at the top as you’ll find other forum members have shared their experiences of their employment rights and living with Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL') generally.
Hope that helps get you started finding useful information @Abbs, do let us know how you get on.
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Hello @Abbs
Welcome to the forum
I can see @Duncan has left a very kind and informative response and I echo his words
I am also a Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ('CLL') patient and I really understand where you’re coming from re the work environment and changes you may now face. I would be concerned and would be asking the same questions.
Speaking as a former people manager, but not giving advice, only a suggestion, perhaps ask your employer for a risk assessment to be completed and also some reasonable adjustments on the back of the risk assessment. I’m confident the HR section of your employer would be able to help you.
Prior to my diagnosis in early 2025, I had retired in March 2023, and was working in an air conditioned open plan office. Perfect for social distancing etc. I now do a part time job (2 days a week) in a local Sainsbury’s (other supermarkets are available) so I feel quite lucky as again I am in an open environment, with air con and also being front end (self check outs) not far from the main entrance so lots of fresh air.
Initially I did wear a face mask but felt self conscious and I don’t know if you have considered this. I did buy one off of this web site and it has the blood cancer logo on it, allowing people to understand why I’m wearing it without me having to explain. I’m not sure if that’s an option you want to explore.
I do hope everything gets sorted for you
Take the very best care.
Kind regards
Mike
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Hi @Abbs
You have received some great information from @GenesisDevice and @Duncan
I would have thought it would be reasonable to ask for reasonable adaptations.
Perhaps requesting an Occupational Health assessment might be an option.
A letter from your Haematology Team might be of value to as those making decisions don’t fully appreciate the risks with your diagnosis.
I’m not an HR expert so these are just thoughts based on years of working in an office environment.
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Hello @Abbs
I just wanted to echo the excellent responses from @Duncan and @GenesisDevice. It’s completely understandable that you’re concerned about moving from an office with natural light and ventilation into a much smaller, enclosed space.
It may be helpful to have a conversation with your manager about your concerns and ask whether an Occupational Health referral could be arranged. An Occupational Health assessment can help identify any workplace risks and recommend adjustments that support your health and wellbeing at work.
It’s important to know that anyone with a blood cancer diagnosis is protected from discrimination under the equality act and employers have to consider reasonable adjustments to help to support their employees.
You may find our pages on Working with blood cancer | Blood Cancer UK and Problems at work | Blood Cancer UK helpful to read through as they discuss rights at work, including support and reasonable adjustments you might need to do your job with blood cancer as well as what to do if you experience any problems at work.
We also have a template that can help you start a conversation with your manager about your diagnosis, your concerns and any adjustments you may need.
Please do let us know how you get on.
Take care & warm wishes,
Emma (support services nurse)
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