Press release 4 January 2023.
With recent labour market statistics1 highlighting that long-term sickness is an increasingly common reason for being out of the labour force, GRiD suggests that group risk benefits (employer-sponsored life assurance, income protection and critical illness) will become even more valued by employees during 2023.
Financial support
The pandemic’s wider impact on health is thought to be an important factor in increased long-term sickness, as are long-term chronic or progressive conditions, musculoskeletal issues and mental illness. GRiD, the group risk protection industry body, believes employees will be more aware than ever of the need for financial support in the event of death, serious illness or accident – for themselves and their household – meaning there will be increased appreciation of group risk benefits in comparison to other employee benefits during the next calendar year.
Preventative support
In addition, as the preventative support available to employees within group risk benefits is becoming more comprehensive and more widely understood, it will be better utilised. This is because employees will be better able to access the types of support that meet their individual needs and address their own specific health concerns.
Another driver of increased employee appreciation is the increase in NHS waiting lists. With untold pressures on the NHS over the winter period, many employees will be waiting for diagnosis or treatment but unable to access support in a timely way. The availability of support within group risk benefits can mean that employees will be financially supported if they do need to wait for treatment and can also access support to prevent their condition from worsening, or to manage symptoms during the wait.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, said: “It’s unfortunate that the need for of our benefits tends to correlate with the periods when employees are most struggling in their lives. However, as more people become aware of the benefits of group risk and the trend continues for increasing numbers of companies to take up employer-sponsored protection, we are able to do more to support employees and their families.”
Disability
Many of those out of the workforce because of long-term sickness are more mature employees, partially reflecting how the prevalence of disability and chronic health conditions increases with age1. As the government strives to boost the numbers of disabled people of all ages in employment in 2023 and beyond, employers will have a greater responsibility to ensure that everyone can benefit from being in work and is supported.
Katharine Moxham, concluded: “Multiple catalysts point to 2023 being an important year for companies offering group risk benefits. Employees are going to need more support and most are going to be in a weaker financial position meaning that many will be less able to manage on their own. Employers are equally going to be looking to do more for less, acknowledging their employees’ needs but also trying to balance their own books. In 2023, it’s quite possible that group risk, often the unsung hero in many an employer’s employee benefits arsenal, may get better acknowledgement for the all-around support it delivers.”
- Ends –
1.https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peoplenotinwork/economicinactivity/articles/halfamillionmorepeopleareoutofthelabourforcebecauseoflongtermsickness/2022-11-10
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
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
