Press release 25 November 2020.
In response to the Government’s policy paper published 23 November ‘Staying mentally well this winter’ GRiD, the group risk industry body comments:
“GRiD welcomes the Government’s commitment to supporting everyone’s mental health and wellbeing throughout the winter period and beyond, and to ensuring that the right support is in place. It’s particularly encouraging to see that the crucial role employers play in ensuring their people are supported in improving their wellbeing at work has been recognised. These are unparalleled times and employers that show understanding and compassion during an employee’s time of need, whether that be in the midst of this pandemic or not, will win the loyalty and commitment of their staff.
“Employees look to their employer for support, and although supporting mental health was rising to the top of the corporate agenda prior to the pandemic, many employers may now be facing far more challenges and be at a loss as to how to go about doing this. However, as well as the Government’s support and suggestions, there’s a wealth of support made available to employers and their staff within group risk benefits – employer-sponsored life assurance, income protection and critical illness – including access to an Employee Assistance Programme, fast access to talking therapies, access to virtual GP services, apps for managing mental health and more, at no extra cost.
“Access to such mental health support not only saves time and cost, but most importantly, lives.”
Katharine Moxham
Spokesperson, GRiD
For further information please contact:
Sharon Mason
SMUK Marketing and PR
smason@smuk.org.uk
Mob: 07747 611773
Land: 01252 843350
Katharine Moxham
Spokesperson for GRiD
Katharine.moxham@grouprisk.org.uk
Mob: 07887 512508
Notes for editors
About GRiD
Group Risk Development (GRiD) is the industry body for the group risk sector, promoting the value to UK businesses of providing financial protection for their staff, enhancing their wellbeing and improving employee engagement. Our membership includes insurers, reinsurers, intermediaries and those operating in (or with other interests in) the UK group risk market. Together this forms a collective wealth of experience built over many years. Under the chairmanship of Steve Bridger (managing director, Aviva Health UK) GRiD aims to promote group risk through a collective voice to Government, policymakers, stakeholders and employers.
GRiD works with government departments and regulators involved in legislation and regulation affecting group risk benefits, and with other organisations involved in the benefits and financial protection arenas. GRiD also seeks to enhance the industry’s standing by encouraging best practice and by participating in industry-wide initiatives such as the professional qualification in group risk managed jointly with the Chartered Insurance Institute.
GRiD’s media activity aims to generate a wider awareness and understanding of group risk products and their benefits for employers and employees.
GRiD’s dedicated spokesperson, Katharine Moxham, provides expert media comment on a full range of group risk issues.
Follow Katharine Moxham on Twitter @KMoxham
