Employees value extended paid sick leave over private cancer treatment

Employees would prefer to be given extended paid sick leave rather than funding for private treatment if they were diagnosed with cancer.

Of the 1,300 working adults surveyed for Aon Consulting's Employment benefits survey 2008, 49% said they would rather receive extended paid sick leave, which allowed them to return to work after treatment. Just 27% would prefer money for private treatment, while 23% would choose a cash lump compensation payment with healthcare provided by the National Health Service.

Alex Bennett, head of healthcare at Aon Consulting, said: "The findings show a real need for employers to assess whether current policies and benefits match up with what their employees really need. Reconfiguring these to provide employees with choices, and their colleagues with support to welcome them back, may make more sense that funding expensive treatments that may not be as valued as the alternatives."