UNIONS fighting to protect workers diagnosed with terminal illnesses got a boost yesterday as Eon became the first company to support the campaign.

The German energy giant signed-up to the TUC’s voluntary “dying to work” charter, committing it to support staff who are diagnosed with a terminal illness.

But union representatives were also in Parliament yesterday to press for a change in the law that would prevent heartless bosses from sacking workers who have just months to live.

Midlands TUC secretary Lee Baron explained: “Currently workers with a terminal illness are covered by disability legislation which does not prevent dismissal on grounds of capability.

“The issue has too often been under reported because terminally ill workers are particularly vulnerable.”

MPs heard the story of GMB union member Jacci Woodcock who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in 2012.

After receiving treatment for a year, Ms Woodcock was signed off work as a sales manager for a few weeks after hitting a “wall of complete exhaustion.”

On her return to work she was shocked to be told by her company’s human resources team that they had carried out a capability assessment and found she was not fit to do her job.

They had also already researched which unemployment benefits she would be entitled to.

Ms Woodcock’s case was raised in Parliament by her constituency MP, Tory Pauline Latham.

She and Labour shadow cabinet member Jonathan Ashworth put aside party differences to launch the campaign in Parliament yesterday.

Mr Ashworth said: “No-one should have to face the discrimination and indignity that Jacci suffered after her terminal diagnosis so it’s fantastic to have this event in Parliament as a chance for MPs from all parties to show their support and get involved in this campaign to make terminal illness a protected characteristic.”