Portsmouth cancer survivor urges businesses not to discount future employees over health

A CANCER survivor is urging businesses not to ‘screen out’ prospective employees due to health.
Tim Hitchings with his son CallumTim Hitchings with his son Callum
Tim Hitchings with his son Callum

Tim Hitchings from Portsmouth wants recruiters not to disregard candidates for gaps in their employment due to health treatment.

The 55-year-old was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, and underwent two years of stem cell transplant treatment and chemotherapy before going into remission in April 2018.

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Yet despite over 20 years’ experience working for blue-chip brands including Virgin Media and Scottish and Southern Energy, Tim experienced closed doors from prospective employers and feels it was down to the gaps in his CV due to cancer treatment.

Tim Hitchings Tim Hitchings
Tim Hitchings

Tim said: ‘People don’t tell you why you’re not getting jobs.

‘I had nearly two years of treatment – which was a massive gap on my CV. Plus, my confidence had been hit and I wanted to work reduced hours.

‘Before my illness I could quite easily get work from referrals and recommendations, but I think the increasing reliance on digital recruitment processes mean people like me are at risk of being screened out.’

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Tim contacted Astriid, a not-for-profit organisation that helps people with long-term health problems, disabilities and their caregivers find work, through its matchmaking platform.

He was matched with insurance company Ageas and met with chief information officer, Mark Collins in February, before being recruited to start a new project manager role in April this year

Tim said: ‘I think recruiters are too hasty because so many people will have treatment for cancer or other illnesses, and they are excluding a lot of experience. These people still have a lot to add, even if they cannot work full time – it’s an untapped market of talent.’

Mark added: ‘I think the pandemic has already proven to businesses that employees can work more flexibly without being wedded to the traditional 9 to 5.

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As a company committed to being Disability Confident, I hope other companies will continue to be agile and fully inclusive – by tapping into sources like Astriid’s network, to find skilled individuals who may previously have been overlooked because of their health concerns.’

For further information on Astriid visit astriid.org.uk

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