News and insights

What does group critical illness insurance cover? A guide for UK companies

Group critical illness insurance provides financial protection for employees diagnosed with serious medical conditions, offering a lump-sum payment to support them financially during difficult times. In this guide, we’ll detail what group critical illness insurance covers, its importance for businesses, and how to effectively incorporate it into your employee benefits package.

Darren Perkins
Group Risk
October 11, 2024
  |  
Read time: 
6
 minutes

Employee benefits consulting

An employee benefits consultant is a specialist who advises and supports employers in designing and managing comprehensive benefits packages for their workforce.

Darren Perkins
Business Protection
June 20, 2024
  |  
Read time: 
3
 minutes

Employee dental insurance

This guide dives into the essentials of employee dental insurance, covering what it is, the different cover options available, and its significance for both employers and employees. We'll explore how dental insurance works, from policy costs and tax implications to the process of making claims. Whether you're considering offering dental insurance for the first time or looking to improve existing benefits, this article provides the insights you need to navigate your options.

Stephen Hough
Group Health
February 15, 2024
  |  
Read time: 
6
 minutes

What is group life assurance?

Group life assurance, sometimes referred to as death in service benefit, will cover employees against their death. If an insured employee passes away and a valid claim is made, a cash lump sum or regular pension payments will be made to their beneficiaries.

Darren Perkins
Group Risk
January 4, 2024
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

Critical illness insurance for employees: How does it work?

Critical illness insurance for employees, also known as group critical illness cover, is an insurance policy businesses can purchase to cover their employees against critical illnesses.

Terry Fromant
Group Risk
October 16, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
4
 minutes

What is executive income protection?

Executive income protection protects businesses and their employees against the financial impact of a staff member being unable to work due to illness or injury. When a successful claim is made, the policy will pay a monthly cash amount based on the employee’s salary to the business.

Stephen Hough
Business Protection
October 16, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

What is key man insurance?

In this insight, we’ll aim to answer your questions, such as what is key man insurance, what does it cover, who is a key man, the benefits, and more. 

Darren Perkins
Business Protection
September 18, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
4
 minutes

What is shareholder protection insurance?

Shareholder protection insurance is a policy that many organisations will put in place to help minimise the risks associated with their shareholders passing away.

Darren Perkins
Business Protection
August 25, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

Employee health cash plans: What you need to know

Employee health cash plans are an employee benefit that companies can implement to help their staff cover the cost of everyday healthcare services. Learn more about what they have to offer in our insight.

Darren Perkins
Group Health
August 8, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
4
 minutes

What are employee health assessments?

Employee health assessments are an occupational health service that aims to understand and improve the health of your staff. Learn more in our insight and what they could offer your business.

Gill Adams
Group Health
July 11, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
4
 minutes

What is business dental insurance?

Business dental insurance helps companies cover their team members for preventative and restorative dental treatments, tests and procedures.

Darren Perkins
Group Health
June 16, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

Employee retention benefits: Why is it important?

Retaining your employees may bring many benefits, ranging from cost-savings to a competitive advantage in your industry. We’ve explored some of the benefits and actions your business can take.

Darren Perkins
Group Health
June 16, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
7
 minutes

What is employee wellbeing?

Employee wellbeing refers to the overall health, happiness and satisfaction of a company’s workforce. Our article aims to answer this question and provide an insight for employees and business owners.

Stephen Hough
Group Health
May 23, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

What are employee benefits?

Employee benefits are additional perks, incentives and benefits that companies offer to their employees in addition to their salary. Learn what employee benefits are, some examples, and how to choose them in our article.

Darren Perkins
Group Health
May 23, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

How Digital Services Have Transformed Primary Care

One of the few silver linings to come out of the pandemic was the accelerated adoption of digital healthcare, particularly for the delivery of primary care services. Now that patients have embraced such technologies and are using them in anger, it’s time for more organisations to offer them as part of the employee benefits they offer, such as private medical insurance.

Stephen Hough
News
July 12, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

The Great Resignation: Employees Want Better Benefits

As my colleague Gill Adams recently highlighted, most workers value employee benefits above pay. With the so-called Great Resignation showing few signs of abating, organisations need to ensure they are doing everything in their power to retain their best talent, and that means, among other things, offering the right mix of employee benefits.

Darren Perkins
News
July 4, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

New Figures Highlight Important Role Of Life Insurance

New figures have highlighted the important role of life insurance in helping families cope financially in the event of a loved one’s death, as the protection industry witnesses an uptick in claims driven by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Terry Fromant
Group Health
June 30, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employees Want More Wellbeing-Focused Benefits

Workers want employee benefits that better support their wellbeing, yet a significant proportion of organisations are failing to offer the right mix, particularly when it comes to women’s health. These are two of the main findings from two separate pieces of recent research.

Gill Adams
News
June 23, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

How Employee Benefits Could Plug The Mental Health Support Gap

Most organisations realise that employee mental health should be at the top of their agendas. But many firms have yet to act on their policy commitments. It’s an area where offering the right employee benefits can really make a difference.

Darren Perkins
Group Health
June 14, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Are Your Health And Wellbeing Benefits Flexible Enough?

UK working adults value their health over their careers, according to new research, a reality that should highlight to organisations the potential of Private Medical Insurance (PMI). However, not all employee benefits packages are equal and some are far too inflexible, according to one nursing support services provider.

Gill Adams
News
May 30, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Supporting Employees Better With Tailored Benefits

Employees need customised support which is tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. That’s one of the main findings to come out of two separate pieces of recent research. For organisations, this reality should act as a wake up call to review the group risk benefits they offer.

Stephen Hough
News
June 7, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Is It Time To Review Your Group Risk Policies?

The Group Risk industry paid out over £2 billion during 2021, a significant increase over 2020 and testimony to the level of help it provides, research shows. Yet many employers are missing out on better deals on the employee benefits they offer as they are simply not taking the time to regularly review them.

Terry Fromant
Group Risk
May 16, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

How Much Is Poor Financial Wellbeing At Work Costing You?

Poor financial wellbeing at work is costing UK businesses billions of pounds every year, yet half of companies do not currently offer extra financial support to their staff. By not providing such support through employee benefits and value-add services like Employee Assistance Programmes, organisations are literally leaving money on the table.

Darren Perkins
News
May 5, 2022
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Premier Choice Partners With Worklife by OpenMoney

We are proud to announce a new partnership with Worklife by OpenMoney to give employee benefits and financial advice to more people across the UK.

Terry Fromant
News
May 9, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
1
 minutes

How Does Private Healthcare Work?

As NHS waiting lists continue to lengthen, more and more people are exploring how private healthcare can complement our treasured health service. But if you’ve never had private healthcare before, figuring out what’s what can be a little daunting. But don’t worry we’ve got you covered and in this short guide on how does private healthcare work, we are going to provide you with everything you need to make an informed and confident decision.

Darren Perkins
Personal Health
April 28, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Cost Of Living Crisis: The Role Of Financial Wellbeing In The Workplace

As the UK’s cost of living crisis comes sharply into focus, employers are increasingly needing to support their employees’ financial wellbeing. By offering the right employee benefits and value-add services like Employee Assistance Programmes – which routinely include financial counselling and support services – companies can demonstrate just how much they value their staff.

Stephen Hough
News
March 29, 2022
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

What Flexible Employee Benefits Do Your Staff Really Want?

What flexible employee benefits do your staff really want? It might seem like a simple question, but research reveals that a significant proportion of employees do not know what benefits are on offer. If that’s the case, how can they assess which ones are right for them?

Stephen Hough
News
April 22, 2022
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Financial Stress Impacts Employee Performance – Study

Financial stress can directly impact employee performance, according to one new study. So as the cost of living crisis continues, employers need to ensure they are doing everything they can to support financial wellbeing in the workplace, including offering the right employee benefits and value-add services like Employee Assistance Programmes.

Terry Fromant
News
April 19, 2022
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

More Flexible Working Benefits Revealed

Flexible working is now a core feature in many workplaces across the UK, reaping benefits for both employees and employers alike. Alongside traditional employee benefits, flexible working has enabled employees to enjoy better work-life balances and employers to benefit from more motivated and productive staff. Now, two separate pieces of research reveal how remote working is affording people higher salaries and how flexible working could help millions secure employment.

Darren Perkins
News
April 13, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Most Workers Value Employee Benefits Above Pay

Two recent pieces of research have highlighted just how much value workers place on the employee benefits they receive through their jobs. The second piece of research, in particular, underlines why organisations need to carefully consider the employee benefits they offer and ensure all staff are getting the same opportunities.

Gill Adams
News
April 4, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

How Does Private Healthcare Work?

As NHS waiting lists continue to lengthen, more and more people are exploring how private healthcare can complement our treasured health service. But if you’ve never had private healthcare before, figuring out what’s what can be a little daunting. But don’t worry we’ve got you covered and in this short guide on how does private healthcare work, we are going to provide you with everything you need to make an informed and confident decision.

Darren Perkins
April 28, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Why We Need To Talk About Mental Health In The Workplace

With more and more people facing mental health challenges, providing mental health and wellbeing support as part of the employee benefits you offer is a must nowadays. But unless these benefits are clearly and accurately communicated and the stigma associated with discussing mental health in the workplace is broken, even the best-laid plans can prove ineffective.

Darren Perkins
March 17, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

More People Turning To PMI As NHS Backlogs Continue

Amid rising NHS backlogs and a surge in demand for appointments, more people are turning to private medical insurance (PMI) to help with their immediate needs.

Stephen Hough
March 9, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

More People Choosing Private Healthcare As NHS Waiting Lists Hit Record Highs

An increasing number of Brits are turning to private healthcare for their medical needs as NHS waiting times continue to increase. But for some without private medical insurance, the cost of going private means getting into debt.

Gill Adams
October 7, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

PMI Provides Safety Net, Peace Of Mind Amid Growing NHS Waiting Times

With the NHS under considerable pressure because of the COVID-19 pandemic and waiting lists hitting record highs, the case for taking out Private Medical Insurance (PMI), which allows access to private healthcare, is stronger than ever.

Paul Dunsford
July 28, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

The Future Of Health Insurance Post-COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused nothing short of a healthcare revolution. With significantly more emphasis now being placed on the role of 'digital' and health and wellbeing being placed at the top of most organisation’s agendas, the future of health insurance will be decidedly different.

Darren Perkins
July 2, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

10 Reasons To Consider Private Healthcare In The UK?

With the fantastic services provided by the NHS, not to mention most of which are free, is private healthcare in the UK really necessary? We’re here to give you 10 reasons and some food for thought as to why private healthcare is more than just a financial decision for many.

Darren Perkins
May 11, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

5 Reasons Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Look Into Private Medical Insurance

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many individuals to consider their health, their family’s health and mortality in general. It’s a reality that has led many to investigate the benefits of private healthcare in the UK and review whether private medical insurance would be a smart investment for themselves and their family.

Terry Fromant
March 12, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

How To Manage & Reduce Stress In 2021

Even though 2020 is over and most of us are pinning our hopes on 2021 being a marked improvement, the topic of stress is still never far away as this New Year unfolds. While the UK’s Covid vaccine rollout will inevitably provide reassurance for many, the thought of returning to work and the associated risks remain a concern for Brits, a new study shows.

Darren Perkins
January 18, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

The Benefits Of Private Medical Insurance In 2021

With 2021 now in full swing and our health firmly at the forefront of our minds, there is no better time to reflect on everything we learnt during the past unprecedented year. With few areas of our lives receiving as much of our attention as health and wellbeing over the past 12 months, this won’t change in 2021. As such it is worth considering the priority and role that health insurance can play in peoples’ lives.

Terry Fromant
January 12, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Private Healthcare: Essential Cover & Peace Of Mind

Following a prolonged period of reduced activity levels due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the private insured and self-pay healthcare market has largely recovered, new research reveals.

Terry Fromant
December 18, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Mental Health: Supporting Each Other Through Times Of Crisis

Back in October, I wrote about how the Covid-19 pandemic is hammering mental health. I also highlighted in that piece how despite the detrimental impact of the current situation, many businesses are responding and supporting their employees as best they can. However, there is no getting away from the fact that Covid-19 is fuelling nothing less than a surge in work-related stress across the globe. Indeed, recently published research from AXA shows exactly what is happening in this regard across

Stephen Hough
November 22, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

More People Going Private As NHS Waiting Lists Continue To Grow

NHS waiting lists are at their highest level since records began and now concerns are growing that we could end up with a two-tier healthcare system here in the UK, as more people look to the private sector to accommodate their health needs.

Darren Perkins
November 13, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Private Medical Insurance: Creating Choice & Reducing The NHS Burden

Individuals who earn above a certain amount should pay for private healthcare to help relieve pressure from the NHS, a leading eye surgeon has said. According to Dr Allon Barsam, co-owner of Ophthalmic Consultants of London in the Harley Street area, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the NHS could be eased with greater private funding, helping the industry as a whole recover from the crisis.

Stephen Hough
August 12, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employee dental insurance

This guide dives into the essentials of employee dental insurance, covering what it is, the different cover options available, and its significance for both employers and employees. We'll explore how dental insurance works, from policy costs and tax implications to the process of making claims. Whether you're considering offering dental insurance for the first time or looking to improve existing benefits, this article provides the insights you need to navigate your options.

Stephen Hough
February 15, 2024
  |  
Read time: 
6
 minutes

Employee health cash plans: What you need to know

Employee health cash plans are an employee benefit that companies can implement to help their staff cover the cost of everyday healthcare services. Learn more about what they have to offer in our insight.

Darren Perkins
August 8, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
4
 minutes

What are employee health assessments?

Employee health assessments are an occupational health service that aims to understand and improve the health of your staff. Learn more in our insight and what they could offer your business.

Gill Adams
July 11, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
4
 minutes

Employee retention benefits: Why is it important?

Retaining your employees may bring many benefits, ranging from cost-savings to a competitive advantage in your industry. We’ve explored some of the benefits and actions your business can take.

Darren Perkins
June 16, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
7
 minutes

What is business dental insurance?

Business dental insurance helps companies cover their team members for preventative and restorative dental treatments, tests and procedures.

Darren Perkins
June 16, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

What are employee benefits?

Employee benefits are additional perks, incentives and benefits that companies offer to their employees in addition to their salary. Learn what employee benefits are, some examples, and how to choose them in our article.

Darren Perkins
May 23, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

What is employee wellbeing?

Employee wellbeing refers to the overall health, happiness and satisfaction of a company’s workforce. Our article aims to answer this question and provide an insight for employees and business owners.

Stephen Hough
May 23, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

Baby Boomers’ Health & Wellbeing Concerns Employers Most – GRiD

Employers are more concerned about the health and wellbeing of baby boomers than they are any other generation in the workplace, new research reveals. Generally defined as people born from 1946 to 1964, during the post–World War II baby boom, baby boomers are fast approaching retirement. Nevertheless, they are the generation that employers worry about most when it comes to health and wellbeing, according to a poll carried out for trade body Group Risk Development (GRiD).

Darren Perkins
September 8, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

New Figures Highlight Important Role Of Life Insurance

New figures have highlighted the important role of life insurance in helping families cope financially in the event of a loved one’s death, as the protection industry witnesses an uptick in claims driven by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Terry Fromant
June 30, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

How Employee Benefits Could Plug The Mental Health Support Gap

Most organisations realise that employee mental health should be at the top of their agendas. But many firms have yet to act on their policy commitments. It’s an area where offering the right employee benefits can really make a difference.

Darren Perkins
June 14, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Supporting Employee Mental Health: A Big Opportunity For Employers

A significant proportion of employees say their mental health is worsening. Meanwhile, the majority of employers say they want to better support their employees’ mental health, yet only around a fifth have invested in new employee benefits to provide any such extra support. It seems a perfect opportunity exists for organisations to highlight how much they care about their staff.

Gill Adams
March 3, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Agile Culture & Mental Health Keys To Boosting Employee Engagement

The way in which organisations support and care for their people has always been an important consideration. But changing employee expectations following the events of the past two years will mean employers have to step up their workplace wellbeing games if they want to attract and retain the best talent. While providing the right mix of employee benefits is a great starting point, by placing more focus on employee mental health and instilling an agile culture, employers can further engage their workforce and reap the associated benefits.

Stephen Hough
February 10, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Protecting Employee Health: Prevention & Support

With skills and labour shortages affecting most UK industries, protecting employee health has never been more significant for organisations. But as research shows, many companies aren’t doing enough in this area, despite the benefits of providing the right employee benefits being plentiful.

Terry Fromant
December 6, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Personalised Employee Benefits Could Help Tackle Employee Mental Health Decline

With anxiety and unhappiness levels rising across the UK, the role of employee benefits - in particular, personalised employee benefits - has never been more prominent.

Darren Perkins
October 20, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

COVID-19’s Impact On SME Mental Health

Many employees at small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have seen their mental health impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as highlighted by two separate pieces of research. For employers, the reality is that staff wellbeing has never been a more prominent subject and, as a result, offering the right employee benefits is more crucial than ever.

Darren Perkins
October 14, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Why Firms Need To Focus On Employee Financial Wellbeing

The financial wellbeing of employees should be an area of focus for organisations after the Covid pandemic, as research reveals how money worries have resulted in anxiety, stress and depression for staff. With this in mind, businesses should be looking at the staff benefits they are offering and see if they really are supporting their employees’ best interests.

Darren Perkins
September 16, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Calls For Employers To Do More To Support Employee Mental Health

Employers must try to do more to support their employees’ mental health, or risk their biggest assets becoming unwell and unable to work. And yet, despite COVID restrictions easing and people returning to their places of work, the pandemic continues to have widespread implications on people’s health. Which is why organisations whose employee benefits packages aren’t working in their workers’ best interests stand to lose out in many ways.

Darren Perkins
September 3, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Why Private Healthcare Could Be The New Norm For Post-Pandemic Businesses

With UK job vacancies at a record high, according to the latest release from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), organisations need to put themselves in the best position possible to attract and retain the best talent. Failure to do so will likely see a company’s top assets looking elsewhere for employment.

Alex Tate
August 26, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employees Want Their Employers To Encourage Good Mental Wellbeing, But Few Are

The vast majority of employees want their employers to encourage good mental wellbeing in the workplace, but very few actually are. With Group Risk products often making up a significant proportion of employee benefits packages, it’s time employers started implementing solutions that their employees want. Fortunately, such products don’t cost the earth and employers that stay ahead of the curve stand to reap the greatest rewards.

Stephen Hough
August 12, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Vast Majority Of Employers Offering Support To Help Employees With Long-Covid

The immediate effects of Covid-19 are widely known. But less is understood about the long-term implications of the disease. Now, new research has revealed how most employers are offering support to employees with Long-Covid, including virtual healthcare services, employee benefit programmes and flexible working arrangements.

Paul Dunsford
June 10, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

The Importance Of Health And Wellbeing In The Workplace

Despite many workers being furloughed or working from home, the ‘always on’ cultures in many workplaces are exacerbating both presenteeism and leaveism, as outlined by my colleague, Gill Adams, here. It’s just one of the reasons why organisations should never underestimate the importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Stephen Hough
May 14, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Health & Wellbeing At Work Benefits Boost Productivity, Help Retain Staff

As if there weren’t enough reasons for employers to provide health and wellbeing at work benefits, new research shows that they boost employee productivity.

Gill Adams
April 16, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Mental Health Support For Employees: More Crucial Than Ever

Two separate pieces of research have revealed just how important mental health support for employees is. It begs the question: Are you fulfilling your duty of care as an employer and supporting your employees’ physical and mental health?

Darren Perkins
April 7, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Health & Wellness Matters: Helping Employers Provide The Benefits Their Staff Truly Need

If you haven’t reviewed the benefits you are offering to your employees, there has never been a better time than now. Covid has caused individuals to think differently about their health and wellbeing, and forward-thinking employers will be the ones that benefit the most from tweaking their employee benefits offering to the needs of their staff.

Alex Tate
February 3, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Mental Health Impact Of Covid & Early Intervention Support

Despite vaccinations ramping up in the UK, the mental health consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic are likely to stretch far and wide for some time to come. While the ongoing situation obviously presents many challenges for employers, those that seize the presented opportunities will come through this in the best shape.

Stephen Hough
January 20, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Rethinking Employee Health & Wellbeing

Covid has caused employers to rethink their approach to employee health and wellbeing, and it’s time we all re-evaluated…

Terry Fromant
December 11, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employers Must Do More To Support Staff With Serious Illnesses

Nearly a quarter (23%) of UK businesses do not offer any form of emotional or practical support to employees if they are diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer or heart disease. That is one of the main findings from new research by GRiD, the group risk sector industry body.

Terry Fromant
December 9, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Covid-Related Mental Health Impact Should Not Be Underestimated

The announcement that the UK has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine will have come as welcome news for many. It now (hopefully) means that we can start returning to some semblance of normality once more and put the physical threat of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, behind us.

Darren Perkins
December 2, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

How Employers Can Better Support Their Employees’ Financial Health & Wellbeing

Whether they’ve been furloughed for the last few months, working reduced hours or carrying on with their jobs as best they can, your employees will have been significantly impacted — in a variety of ways — by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Right now, they need you as an employer to be more supportive than ever.

Darren Perkins
November 9, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Mental Health Support Has To Be A Long-Term Commitment For Employers

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on both employers and employees, especially when it comes to mental health. While the initial lockdowns and social restrictions have taken their toll, we are now faced with an extended period of social isolation.

Darren Perkins
October 12, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employee benefits consulting

An employee benefits consultant is a specialist who advises and supports employers in designing and managing comprehensive benefits packages for their workforce.

Darren Perkins
June 20, 2024
  |  
Read time: 
3
 minutes

What is executive income protection?

Executive income protection protects businesses and their employees against the financial impact of a staff member being unable to work due to illness or injury. When a successful claim is made, the policy will pay a monthly cash amount based on the employee’s salary to the business.

Stephen Hough
October 16, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

What is key man insurance?

In this insight, we’ll aim to answer your questions, such as what is key man insurance, what does it cover, who is a key man, the benefits, and more. 

Darren Perkins
September 18, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
4
 minutes

What is shareholder protection insurance?

Shareholder protection insurance is a policy that many organisations will put in place to help minimise the risks associated with their shareholders passing away.

Darren Perkins
August 25, 2023
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

Demand Soars For Critical Illness Cover & Income Protection

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, demand for Critical Illness cover and Income Protection has soared. That’s one of the key findings of new research published by insurer Zurich.

Darren Perkins
February 16, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

The Benefits Of Protection Products In 2021

The uncertainty and unease caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has meant that 2020 will go down in history as one of the most unprecedented in living memory. Now, as we enter 2021, health and wellbeing is going to remain high on people’s agendas as they reflect on the events of the past year.

Terry Fromant
January 5, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Income Protection: Safeguarding Your Income When The Unexpected Happens

How long could you and your family survive financially if you suddenly became unable to work? Would state benefits be enough to support you? How long would any savings you’ve accumulated last? If your answer to any of those questions was “I don’t know” then Income Protection (IP) might be something you want to find out more about.

Terry Fromant
June 24, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Income Protection: More Than Just Insurance

Figures show that income protection (IP) sales are healthy. In fact, according to data released by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), IP sales in the first half of 2019 reached their highest level since FCA records began in Q2 of 2005.

Terry Fromant
March 27, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

What does group critical illness insurance cover? A guide for UK companies

Group critical illness insurance provides financial protection for employees diagnosed with serious medical conditions, offering a lump-sum payment to support them financially during difficult times. In this guide, we’ll detail what group critical illness insurance covers, its importance for businesses, and how to effectively incorporate it into your employee benefits package.

Darren Perkins
October 11, 2024
  |  
Read time: 
6
 minutes

What is group life assurance?

Group life assurance, sometimes referred to as death in service benefit, will cover employees against their death. If an insured employee passes away and a valid claim is made, a cash lump sum or regular pension payments will be made to their beneficiaries.

Darren Perkins
January 4, 2024
  |  
Read time: 
5
 minutes

Critical illness insurance for employees: How does it work?

Critical illness insurance for employees, also known as group critical illness cover, is an insurance policy businesses can purchase to cover their employees against critical illnesses.

Terry Fromant
October 16, 2023
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Read time: 
4
 minutes

Is It Time To Review Your Group Risk Policies?

The Group Risk industry paid out over £2 billion during 2021, a significant increase over 2020 and testimony to the level of help it provides, research shows. Yet many employers are missing out on better deals on the employee benefits they offer as they are simply not taking the time to regularly review them.

Terry Fromant
May 16, 2022
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Income Protection For Small Businesses

For many small business owners, when it comes to protection, the focus is often on the company and not the founder. But such an approach risks leaving the small business owner vulnerable should they become seriously ill or injured. Without them at the helm, how would the business inevitably fare and for how long? That’s why income protection for small businesses is absolutely something that should be considered if the business owner wants to afford total peace of mind.

Terry Fromant
October 1, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Group Risk Products Recognised By Government In Employee Health Consultation

Employee benefits packages, which usually include Group Risk benefits, play an important role in helping support employee health and wellbeing. That is one of the conclusions made by the government in response to its 2019 consultation on how to reduce ill-health related job loss.

Terry Fromant
July 16, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Group Risk Cover Protection Market Displaying ‘Gender Paradox’

New research reveals the Group Risk market is displaying a ‘gender paradox’, highlighting the need for providers and employers to better facilitate adoption among every gender. According to the Legal & General (L&G) study of over 1,000 UK employees, a gender paradox exists when it comes to group risk protection benefits, with more women than men being aware of the limitations of state health and welfare support. However, fewer women than men actually fully engage with group protection benefits and services.

Terry Fromant
June 17, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Group Risk Market Witnesses Strong Growth Despite Covid Pandemic

Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, new research reveals the Group Risk market continued to grow during 2020, highlighting the importance many organisations place on group risk cover.

Terry Fromant
April 30, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

It Took A Global Pandemic To Highlight The Real Value Of Group Risk Employee Benefits

The Covid-19 pandemic has made most workers consider their financial situations and security, as well as emphasise the importance of Group Risk employee benefits. In fact, Group Risk employee benefits have never been so highly valued (by both employers and employees).

Stephen Hough
March 4, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Group Risk At The Forefront Of Minds

Now, more than ever, organisations must have their employees’ wellbeing at the forefront of their minds. One of the best ways to achieve this is with the right Group Risk products.

Stephen Hough
March 1, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

The Benefits Of Group Risk Products In 2021

After months of either being furloughed, working from home or carrying out their jobs in a totally different way, employees from organisations across every sector need to be supported by their employers. As a result, there has never been a more important time for employers to look at their duty of care to their employees as now.

Stephen Hough
January 8, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Group Risk: Managing & Preventing Sickness Absence

In July 2019, the UK Government published a consultation paper: Health is everyone’s business: proposals to reduce ill health-related job loss. It outlined, among other things, how the government and employers can take action to reduce ill health-related job loss. In response to the publication of this consultation, the industry body for the group risk sector, GRiD, set up the Workplace Public Policy Committee (WPPC), with the aim of promoting workplace health and wellbeing matters to...

Stephen Hough
November 19, 2020
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

How Group Risk Products Can Be Pivotal During A Pandemic

As if employee benefits needed any more reasons to be at the top of every employer’s agenda, the coronavirus pandemic has firmly underlined their importance once more.  Here we take a quick look at how three group risk products can be pivotal during a pandemic, providing reassurance, faster access to healthcare and direct financial support.

Darren Perkins
September 22, 2020
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employee Wellbeing & The State Benefits Gap

UK workers overestimate state benefits, yet few companies have any protection in place. Research has shown that workers overestimate how much support they would receive from the government if they found themselves unable to work due to an illness or disability. Yet only a tiny proportion of UK SMEs have suitable protection in place to safeguard their employees financial security. This suggests that both a huge protection gap and enormous opportunity exist.

Stephen Hough
August 28, 2020
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Third Of Employers Failing To Fully Support Their Long-Term Absent Employees

According to the study by Opinium on behalf of GRiD Group Risk Development (GRiD), the industry body for the group risk protection sector, 31% of employers do not make early intervention services available to help staff who have been absent for six months or more return to work. Almost the same number of employers again (32%) don’t have any financial support in place for staff if they are absent long term.

Terry Fromant
July 13, 2020
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Group Risk Industry Paid Out Record Amount In Claims In 2019 – GRiD

In 2019, the Group Risk industry paid out a record £1.76bn in claims, new data shows. According to the figures released by Group Risk Development (GRiD), the industry body for the Group Risk protection sector, the total amount of claims paid last year was £75m more than the year before, with cancer claims making up the majority.

Terry Fromant
May 15, 2020
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employees Not Confident Discussing Health Issues As Organisations Look To Increase Spending

Two separate pieces of research have highlighted both the importance and the need for organisations to be providing the right employee benefits to their staff.

Gill Adams
September 24, 2021
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Read time: 
3
 minutes

Why Employers Need To Follow Healthcare’s Digital Transformation

The pandemic has triggered many people to rethink how they access healthcare services. With lockdowns and social distancing requirements, popping to a GP surgery to be seen was, suddenly, no longer a viable option. Now, as employees return from furlough and working from home, we are tasting a sense of normality once more. But what is sure is that people will continue wanting to access healthcare services in innovative ways. That’s why employers need to ensure any health-related employee benefit

Stephen Hough
September 10, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Remote Working Boosts Health And Wellbeing Of Older Employees

Employees aged 50 and over who switched to remote working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have reported improved health and wellbeing. That’s one of the key findings to emerge from recent research from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Is remote working part of the employee benefits you offer?

Darren Perkins
August 18, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Workplace Wellbeing: What Employers Think vs. What Employees Want

Sadly, many senior business leaders 'assume' they know what their employees want when it comes to a wellbeing programme. But without actually asking, organisations risk being seen as not listening to their employees’ needs and end up with low adoption rates of the programmes (such as Group Risk benefits) that they actually implement.

Gill Adams
August 4, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Pandemic Prompts UK Adults To Consider Their Mortality, Think About Life Insurance

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered millions of UK adults to think about their mortality, especially in terms of how their loved ones would cope financially in the event of their death, new research shows.  According to insurer Canada Life, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, 11% of UK adults (c. 5.8 million people) have thought about or taken out life insurance.

Terry Fromant
July 8, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Research Finds 10 Million UK Adults Not Financially Resilient

A significant proportion of UK adults have witnessed their financial resilience deteriorate as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, new research shows, highlighting the need for employers to place more emphasis on employee financial wellbeing initiatives.

Paul Dunsford
June 30, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employees’ Life Satisfaction Declining, Research Suggests

Employees’ life satisfaction has declined sharply over the past year and most are now neglecting their physical health because of work demands, new research has found. For employers, supporting their employees, including offering the right mix of group benefits, has never been more important.

Gill Adams
June 23, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Cash Plan Eyecare Claims Down As Employees Fail To Maintain Optician Appointments

Many individuals have failed to keep up with routine eye appointments during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to data from one healthcare cash plan provider. It’s a reality that could risk deteriorating eyesight among employees in the future, potentially leading to more significant interventions being required.

Gill Adams
June 3, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Impact Of Covid-19 Pandemic On Future Health, Wellbeing Of Employees Could Be Significant

The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns will have a significant impact on the future health and wellbeing of employees, a new report suggests, further highlighting the importance of having an employee wellbeing strategy.

Stephen Hough
May 26, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

Pandemic Or No Pandemic, Virtual Healthcare Is Here To Stay

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our attitudes to health and the way we access healthcare. Lockdowns, social distancing guidelines and the risk of infection have caused many people to think twice about visiting their GP, choosing to remain home and take advantage of virtual healthcare solutions instead.

Gill Adams
May 19, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

‘Always On’ Culture Exacerbating Workplace Presenteeism & Leaveism - CIPD

Without an employee wellbeing strategy in place, many organisations run the risk of experiencing employee presenteeism and leaveism, both of which negatively impact productivity, morale and financial position. Focussing on the financial, physical and psychological wellbeing of your workforce, an employee wellbeing strategy is designed to support your staff and help them thrive.

Gill Adams
May 6, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

More Than A Quarter Of Organisations Struggling To Justify Wellbeing Spend

Even though many UK businesses are now focusing more on employee wellbeing initiatives — especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic — over 1 in 4 are struggling to come up with a business case to demonstrate wellbeing ROI.

Alex Tate
April 26, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

How To Choose A Health Insurance Broker

With so many different insurers and policies on the market, looking for health insurance can be a minefield if you’re not aware of the right approach and best cover for you. That’s why many people decide to partner with an intermediary. But how to choose a health insurance broker is still something that has long been asked and provides many benefits.

Alex Tate
April 20, 2021
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Read time: 
2
 minutes

How To Promote Wellness In The Workplace?

With millions of employees having been furloughed or working from home for over a year now, many employers will be seeking answers on how to promote wellness in the workplace. New research shows that wellbeing initiatives could be one of the answers.

Paul Dunsford
April 12, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employers Need To Introduce Financial Wellbeing Programmes For Employees - CIPD

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on many organisations’ finances, yet many employers do not have suitable financial wellbeing programmes in place. That’s one of the main findings from new research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Gill Adams
April 4, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Why Employers Need To Focus On Wellbeing Initiatives In 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has totally transformed the way we all live and work. As a result, our physical and mental health has been under significant pressure for more than a year. Isn’t it time wellbeing initiatives were placed higher up on employers’ agendas?

Darren Perkins
March 26, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

How The Pandemic Has Changed Private Health Perceptions Forever

The Covid-10 pandemic has noticeably changed our attitudes towards healthcare, especially how we view private health in the UK. As a result, private medical insurance will be at the forefront of many people’s minds as this year continues to unfold.

Darren Perkins
March 23, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Many Employers Not Prioritising Financial Wellbeing At Work

The COVID-19 pandemic has made financial wellbeing at work one of the hottest topics for both employers and employees. As a result, the importance of employee benefits -- particularly protection products -- has never been greater. However, new research reveals that many employers are not prioritising financial wellbeing at work.

Gill Adams
March 9, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employees Want Better Benefits In The Wake Of Covid

The nature of the relationship between employers and employees has changed during the course of the ongoing pandemic. Once it’s all over, employees will expect better benefits, including protection products like Group Risk and Health Insurance, to be part of employer offerings.

Darren Perkins
February 23, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Workplace Absenteeism Rising Due To Lack Of Mental Health Support

According to Westfield Health’s Coping with Covid report, mental health-related workplace absenteeism costs rose by £1.3 billion during 2020. This represents an increase of 10% over 2019. Travel restrictions, furlough, working from home and pay cuts were all indicated as having brought radical changes for millions of UK employees.

Gill Adams
February 19, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Financial Vulnerability Concerns For Over Half UK Adults

According to the FCA’s Financial Lives Survey, more than half of UK adults are in some sense considered vulnerable. As a result, these individuals are at greater risk of harm because of low financial resilience and negative life events. How can employers balance productivity with financial security for their staff? With the right employee benefits.

Terry Fromant
February 12, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employees Want Better Mental Health Support At Home

Three in five employees want their employers to spend more on supporting mental and physical wellbeing as a result of the Covid crisis, new research by health insurer Aetna International shows. Meanwhile, a separate study shows that almost one in two employers are failing to adequately address issues of staff wellbeing.

Paul Dunsford
February 9, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Brits Dedicated To Improving Their Long-Term Health This Year

One in five Brits wants to make smarter decisions when it comes to their personal health, new research has revealed. With this in mind, we believe that health protection products, such as Private Medical Insurance (PMI), are going to be more relevant than ever as 2021 unfolds.

Darren Perkins
February 1, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Eyesight Charity Warns About Risks Of Increased Screen Time During Lockdown

A UK-based eye health charity has warned about the potential damage that extra screen time during lockdown could be causing.

Gill Adams
January 25, 2021
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Reappraising Employee Benefits

Back in November, Premier Choice MD, Claire Ginnelly, wrote about how the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered increased interest in protection products. Now, new research shows that a significant proportion of employees are reappraising the value of the benefits employers offer.

Terry Fromant
December 21, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

UK Businesses: Benefits Of Partnering With An Employee Benefits Broker

Most businesses already know the advantages of offering the right employee benefits to their workforce. However, some businesses overlook the importance of such products and beneficial role an intermediary can play when securing cover. With that in mind, here are four key benefits for businesses when partnering with a broker who can offer a full range of employee wellbeing solutions, including employee benefits, insurance and occupational health services:

Stephen Hough
November 27, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Providing The Right Staff Benefits In Times Of Crisis

What employers need to consider when it comes to staff benefits in the face of the Covid pandemic and beyond. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is having a dramatic impact on businesses and employees alike. But one area in particular where its effects are being felt is employee benefits. Two separate pieces of research highlight what employers need to be looking at when it comes to employee benefits in the face of the Covid pandemic.

Darren Perkins
November 18, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
3
 minutes

Leading Insurer Expects Jump In CI Cancer Claims In 2021

Protection specialist LV= has predicted a surge in cancer diagnoses and claims in 2021 following screening backlogs. Back in April when the coronavirus lockdown began, LV= saw a significant drop in critical illness claims, with 45% less recorded than the year before. According to Cancer Research UK, around 2,700 fewer people were diagnosed with cancer each week. In fact, cancer screening was paused in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and few invitations were sent out in England.

Stephen Hough
November 4, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Covid Pandemic Increases Interest In Protection Products

Two separate pieces of research have highlighted how the Covid-19 pandemic has caused people to rethink their attitudes towards life and health risk, sparking increased interest in protection products. Gen-Z most influenced by pandemic The first piece of research: ReMark Global’s seventh annual Global Consumer Study (GCS) into life and health insurance, found that Generation Z (the demographic cohort born …

Darren Perkins
November 1, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

AXA Health Encouraging Brits To Lead Healthier Lifestyles

AXA Health has announced a new campaign designed to encourage more Brits to lead healthier lifestyles, as well as research on what being ‘healthy’ really means to Brits. To launch the campaign and help boost awareness, AXA Health has teamed up with comedian Jack Whitehall.

Stephen Hough
October 30, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

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