WARRINGTON South MP Faisal Rashid has signed up to a charter in place to protect employees who become terminally ill – and will be encouraging businesses to do the same.

Labour's Mr Rashid has signed the TUC 'Dying to Work' charter, which currently protects more than half a million members of staff.

The Dying to Work campaign was set up following the case of Jacci Woodcock, a 58-year-old sales manager from Derbyshire, who was forced out of her job after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.

It is calling for a change in the law to prevent the same thing happening to others.

Mr Rashid said: "It is deeply concerning to think that if people with terminal illnesses are dismissed, or forced out of their jobs, that their loved ones will lose the death in service payments that the employee has planned for and earned through a lifetime of hard work.

"I am proud to have signed the TUC 'Dying to Work' charter to protect my employees and I will be encouraging businesses in my constituency to follow suit and sign up to the TUC's voluntary charter.

"I hope that action will be taken to ensure that every individual with a terminal illness receives the protection and support they deserve."