Press release 17 November 2022
GRiD welcomes the government’s proposed review of issues holding back workforce participation announced in today’s Autumn Statement.
The group risk industry (specifically those providing group income protection insurance) pioneered vocational rehabilitation in the UK and was among the first to understand the bio-psycho-social model in the context of illness and disability, recognising the need to refocus on capability rather than inability long before state provision was refocused in this way.
The industry also understands that work plays a crucial part in promoting mental wellbeing. It’s important for self-esteem and identity, it can provide a sense of fulfilment and the opportunity for social interaction and, for most people, it’s their main source of income.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD says: “GRiD is keen to support the government’s aims of reducing the number of working-age adults who are “economically inactive” – particularly the record number of those who are economically inactive because of long-term sickness – and believes that group income protection insurance can provide the means of doing this. The workplace has an important part to play in maintaining good health, dealing with ill health at an early stage and supporting employees to remain in work. With the added advantage of access to embedded additional support services such as HR support, Employee Assistance Programmes, case management, vocational rehabilitation, second medical opinion services, nurse-led support, fast-track access to physiotherapy, CBT and other talking therapies, online GP services, health apps and so on, employers with a group income protection policy are well-placed to help with reducing ill-health related job loss.”
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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 Paul White (head of technical, Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing) 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
