Add Comment Question: If I'm sick from a illness like cancer how long does my employer have to keep my job. So i can return back to work Answer: As long as you keep providing updated medical information, they have to keep the job open for a long time. Certainly no less than 2 years and possibly much longer. If your are part of a union, then it may be different. Your Comment * Your Email * Your Name * Your City Note, your name, city and email is not displayed on the website. It is used to notify you that we have approved your comment.