Press release 16 January 2025.
Ahead of Blue Monday, GRiD the industry body for the group risk sector, has released figures showing that, over the past decade, mental health conditions have been either the first or second highest cause of claim by employees on work-sponsored group income protection (GIP) policies. Accordingly, in 2023 (latest data available), 22% of GIP claims were for mental illness which was just shy of the 24% for cancer – the most claimed-for condition on GIP last year.
Further analysis of GIP data shows that mental illness is the condition where early intervention support makes the most significant difference: in 2023 nearly half (47%) of those who were helped back to work by early interventions made by GIP insurers, were those suffering from mental ill-health.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, said: “Our data highlights that mental illness has been, and continues to be, a really significant issue for employees, but it is also where pre-emptive strategies and timely interventions can have a profound effect.
“If Blue Monday is said to be the most depressing day of the year for staff, it’s worth sparing a moment to think about how those who are already struggling with their mental health might be feeling at this time. Ensuring that workplace support is readily available, easily accessible and fit for purpose will give employees the best possible chance of being a present and productive member of staff during, what can be, some depressing days and months of the year.”
As well as GIP providing a replacement income should staff be unable to work through illness or injury, it also comprises employee and employer interventions which are highly utilised for mental health. This includes rehabilitation services, fast access to counselling, manager training programmes and Employee Assistance Programmes which, by offering advice and counselling to staff when they have a problem, are designed to avert an absence from happening in the first place. With so much in-built support, this benefit is often provided by employers to help staff remain in the workplace, as much as it is for providing financial stability if they are unable to do so.
Katharine Moxham continued: “Mental health support needs to be in place all year round – it’s by no means something that can or should be addressed in January alone. However, if nothing else, Blue Monday represents an annual reminder for organisations to ensure support for employees will meet their needs, whether this is general help with mental wellbeing, or if employees develop a more serious mental health condition.”
- Ends –
For further information please contact:
Ali Cort
SMUK Marketing and PR
Mob: 07887 484247
acort@smuk.org.uk
Katharine Moxham
Spokesperson for GRiD
Mob: 07887 512508
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 well-being 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 Colin Fitzgerald (Distribution Director – Group Protection, L&G Retail) 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
