More than half of employers worried about cancer and serious ill-health in the workforce 

More than half of UK employers are concerned about cancer and other serious ill-health affecting their workforce, according to new research published by Group Risk Development (GRiD) to coincide with World Cancer Day on 4 February 2026. 

The research, conducted in January 2026 among 500 HR decision-makers, found that 56 per cent of employers report concerns about serious ill-health, including cancer, within their organisation. These concerns are echoed by employees themselves, with 15 per cent of the working population worried about serious ill-health and the figure rising to 25 per cent among workers aged over 60. 

The findings highlight the growing importance of workplace health and wellbeing as cancer continues to affect a significant proportion of the UK workforce, either directly through diagnosis or indirectly through caring responsibilities. However, the true scale of its impact often remains hidden. While some employees are required to disclose their condition because of treatment, absence or the need for workplace adjustments, others choose to keep a diagnosis private, leaving employers without a clear picture of how many people are affected. 

GRiD warned that this lack of visibility makes it harder for organisations to understand risk and ensure the right support is in place. The research underlines the need for employers to provide clear, accessible health and wellbeing support that employees can use whether or not they feel able to disclose a diagnosis. 

Katharine Moxham, 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 support staff affected by cancer through a combination of prevention, education and access to care, including second medical opinions, specialist oncologists, lifestyle support such as fitness and nutrition, and financial protection from the point of diagnosis onwards. Mental health support is also critical, as a cancer diagnosis can have a profound psychological impact alongside physical effects. 

Much of this support is available through employer-funded group risk benefits, including group life assurance, group critical illness and group income protection. Cancer accounts for the highest proportion of claims across all three benefits, yet GRiD said awareness and understanding of the full range of available support remains limited in many workplaces. Better communication and closer collaboration between employers and advisers could help ensure staff are supported earlier and more consistently. 

Moxham said: “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.” 

The research reinforces the growing link between long-term health conditions and workplace wellbeing, and the role employers play in supporting people to stay in work where possible, recover well, and feel confident that their health needs will be met.