More than half of UK employers are concerned about cancer and serious ill health affecting their workforce, according to new research published this World Cancer Day. The findings highlight ongoing anxiety among organisations about the impact of long-term illness on employees and the wider workplace.
The research, conducted in January 2026 for GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector, found that 56% of employers are worried about serious ill-health, including cancer, affecting staff as workforces age and more employees manage health conditions alongside their roles.
The research shows that 25% of people aged over 60 are concerned about serious ill-health including cancer, while 15% of the working population across all age groups share similar worries. This suggests that fears around serious illness are present across the workforce rather than being confined to later career stages.
Cancer continues to affect a significant proportion of the working population either directly or indirectly, including through caring responsibilities. Despite this, the full impact of cancer on workplaces often remains hidden from employers.
Cancer’s Hidden Impact on the Workforce
Some employees have no option but to disclose a diagnosis due to treatment schedules, sickness absence or the need for workplace adjustments. Others may choose not to share personal health information with their employer. As a result, many organisations may lack a clear understanding of how many people are affected or the extent of support required.
Katharine Moxham, a spokesperson for GRiD, said, “Cancer remains one of the most significant health challenges facing today’s workforce, yet for many employers its true impact is still only partially visible. This research highlights the scale of concern and the opportunity for employers to do more to ensure every individual feels supported and able to access the help they need.”
Employers can offer support in a variety of ways, from prevention and education through to treatment pathways and ongoing assistance. This may include access to second medical opinions, specialist oncologists, lifestyle support such as fitness and nutrition and financial help at different stages of a diagnosis.
Support is most effective when it is visible and easy to access. This is particularly important for employees who may be managing cancer quietly without informing their employer directly.
Awareness Gaps in Employer-Provided Support
Employer-funded group risk benefits such as group life assurance, group critical illness and group income protection already provide physical, mental, financial and practical support for people experiencing cancer. In many cases this support is included as standard at no additional cost.
Cancer accounts for the highest proportion of claims across all three benefits, yet GRiD believes that available support is not always fully understood or utilised. Better awareness could help employees and employers navigate a diagnosis more effectively.
Moxham added, “Cancer touches each person in their own way. Some need support at the very start, some partway through, some after treatment ends, and some from the first moment to the last.
“Support should never be something people stumble across by chance or discover halfway along. It should be visible, clear, and present from the beginning, ready for anyone who chooses to lean on it.”