Labour introduces bill to give workers paid leave for cancer screenings

Labour TD Duncan Smith has announced that Labour will introduce the Organisation of Working Time (Leave for Health Screening Purposes) Bill 2024 in the Dáil on Thursday March 26th to provide statutory paid leave for workers attending HSE cancer screening appointments.

The Bill seeks to remove financial and workplace barriers that prevent people from attending vital screenings, and Smith has called on the government to act “immediately” to support the measure and prioritise early detection.

Smith, Labour’s health spokesperson, said “early detection is the most powerful tool we have in saving lives, yet too many people face unnecessary barriers when it comes to attending routine screenings. Right now, there is no statutory leave for workers to attend cervical, breast or colon cancer screening appointments. That is simply not good enough.”

“Workers in insecure or inflexible jobs are often forced to choose between taking unpaid time off, using annual leave, or calling in sick just to attend a screening. That is a clear failure in how we support people to look after their health. No one should have to weigh up their income or job security against attending a potentially life saving appointment.

The Dublin Fingal East TD said, “people are busy and stretched; when a screening letter comes through the door, it is all too easy to put it off, especially if taking time off work creates stress or financial pressure.”

“For those working shift patterns or in precarious employment, attending an appointment can be even more difficult. We need to remove these barriers and make it as straightforward as possible for people to prioritise their health,” he said.

“This Bill takes a common sense approach. It ensures that all workers, regardless of their employment status, can access paid leave to attend screenings. While the need for this leave may not arise often, its impact is significant. One missed appointment could mean the difference between early intervention and a devastating diagnosis.

“We cannot continue with a system where people fall through the cracks because of workplace pressures or outdated policies. Early detection saves lives, and we must back that up with practical support that make a real difference in people’s lives.

“We have an opportunity now to take a simple, effective step that will save lives. Labour’s Health Screening Leave Bill is ready to go, and it would be an easy win for Government to adopt it without delay. The Minister must act now, support Labour’s Bill, remove the barriers to screening, and ensure that every worker can access these vital services without fear or hesitation. No more excuses,” Smith said.