News and insights

Wellness Is High On The Agenda For Today’s Workforce

As COVID-19 lockdowns lift and people start returning to work, a lot of organisations will be focussing their attention on employee wellbeing and wellness. If there’s one thing that the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted, it’s that being stuck at home for abnormally long periods can have a negative impact on both our physical and mental health.

Terry Fromant
News
June 26, 2020
  |  
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
Business Protection
June 24, 2020
  |  
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
Group Risk
July 13, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Health Insurance Scams: How To Avoid Them

A saddening reality of the coronavirus pandemic is that nefarious individuals have used the crisis to attempt to scam unsuspecting people into taking out financial services products that do not necessarily meet their needs. According to research by Aviva, the number of suspicious emails, telephone calls and text messages relating to financial services products has risen significantly since the coronavirus crisis started.

Terry Fromant
News
July 27, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Virtual GP Services Could Have Saved UK Businesses £1.5bn Last Year

According to the report from Axa PPP Healthcare, employee travel to face-to-face GP appointments cost UK businesses £1.5bn in lost working time in 2019. The report, Digital health: the changing landscape of how we access GP services, compiled by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), outlines how virtual GP services can drive efficiency across both business and healthcare.

Terry Fromant
News
July 31, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Mental Health: Workplace Wellbeing Initiatives

Research shows that emotional and physical wellbeing are closely linked. Therefore, to stand the greatest chance of having happy, healthy and productive staff, employers need to be taking a holistic approach to employee wellbeing.

Terry Fromant
Group Health
August 3, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Mental Health: Insurance & Support

People with mental health issues have a clear desire to get access to insurance, new research reveals. However, the vast majority of people with poor mental health do not know where to go to get independent advice on how mental health issues can potentially impact an insurance application.

Darren Perkins
Group Health
August 6, 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
Personal Health
August 12, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employee Wellbeing Initiatives Likely To Boost Talent Retention Levels

Employees want workplace wellbeing initiatives — especially ones that involve apps — and by providing them, employers can retain their best talent. These are the main findings of some new workplace wellbeing research. At a time when employees are feeling unsettled, despondent and generally uncertain, and many businesses are really feeling the pinch, employers that focus on wellbeing now could weather the storm and come out the other side in a strong position.

Stephen Hough
News
August 14, 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
Personal Health
November 13, 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
News
November 18, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
3
 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
Group Risk
November 19, 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
Personal Health
November 22, 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
Group Health
December 2, 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
News
November 27, 2020
  |  
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
Group Risk
August 28, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

NHS Waiting Lists At Highest Level Since Records Began

Worrying times ahead for people awaiting routine or non-urgent treatment through the NHS. As the coronavirus pandemic continues to run its course, a devastating toll is being taken on the NHS, with non-COVID-19 patients affected in particular.

Darren Perkins
News
August 18, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

NHS Sickness Rate Hits Record High

COVID-19 peak results in record high NHS sickness absence. The NHS lost a staggering 2.3 million full-time equivalent days of work from a total of nearly 36.6 million in April 2020, the highest level in a decade. By comparison, the NHS lost 1.4 million full-time equivalent days out of nearly 35 million in the same month last year.

Stephen Hough
News
September 1, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Why The Cost Of Obesity Could Bankrupt The NHS & Social Care

Weight-related stigmas need to be tackled to save the NHS and social care systems. The cost of obesity in the UK is rising, so much so that it could end up bankrupting the NHS and the country’s social care system. And it’s a “fear of offending people” that is largely to blame, new research suggests.

Darren Perkins
News
September 4, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 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
Group Health
September 8, 2022
  |  
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
Group Risk
September 22, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Sandwich Generation Hardest Hit Mentally By Pandemic

UK workers tend to overestimate the amount of support they would receive from the state if they fell ill. And only a tiny proportion of UK SMEs have suitable safeguards, like group income protection, in place. Now, new research reveals how the majority of Brits aged between 45 and 54 are more worried about their financial situation than before the lockdown. It’s a reality that further underlines the importance of the security provided by group risk products.

Stephen Hough
News
September 11, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Employers Increase Health & Wellbeing Offerings During Pandemic

Almost half of employers have increased their focus on employee health and wellbeing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, new research shows. According to research by Employee Benefits, which surveyed 200 HR decision-makers, 46% of organisations said they have boosted their employee health and wellbeing offerings in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Stephen Hough
Group Health
September 16, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Professional Financial Advice Boosts Emotional Wellbeing

At a time of distinct uncertainty, anything that boosts emotional wellbeing should be welcomed with open arms. That’s why new research into the impact of professional financial advice makes for compelling reading. According to the survey, conducted on behalf of Royal London, professional financial advice helps improve people’s emotional wellbeing by making them feel more confident and financially resilient.

Stephen Hough
News
September 20, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Majority Of Employers Want To Be Seen As Caring

Employers are increasing their focus on health and wellbeing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Interestingly, the same research also highlights how the vast majority of organisations want to be seen as a caring employer when introducing a health benefits programme.

Darren Perkins
News
September 29, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Pandemic Hammering Mental Health But Businesses Responding

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a massive impact on employee mental health. But businesses are responding by introducing specific wellbeing-focussed initiatives and benefits.

Stephen Hough
Group Health
October 2, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

SMEs Lagging Behind Smaller Firms When It Comes To Employee Wellbeing

When it comes to employee wellbeing, SMEs are falling behind smaller companies in the eyes of their employees. That’s one of the key findings to come out of new research by Legal & General (L&G). According to L&G’s latest SME research, more employees working for smaller companies trust their employer to look after them than those working for larger SMEs. This, despite the fact that these larger organisations are more likely to have a health and wellbeing strategy in place.

Stephen Hough
News
October 19, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Positive Developments In Group PMI

It is a word that is often overused, but the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has been ‘unprecedented’. One of the sectors in particular that has experienced a significant amount of upheaval has been the group medical insurance industry.

Stephen Hough
Group Health
October 5, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

NHS Staff Uptake Of PMI Highlights How Much Our Health System Is Struggling

As if the NHS wasn’t under enough pressure already, the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation exponentially. With NHS waiting lists now at their highest levels since records began, it’s clear that there aren’t enough resources in our beloved health system to cope right now. Add to this the fact that Boris Johnson says the current restrictions could last six months and there really is no immediate end in sight.

Darren Perkins
News
October 8, 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
Group Health
October 12, 2020
  |  
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
  |  
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

Positive Developments In Group PMI

It is a word that is often overused, but the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has been ‘unprecedented’. One of the sectors in particular that has experienced a significant amount of upheaval has been the group medical insurance industry.

Stephen Hough
October 5, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Pandemic Hammering Mental Health But Businesses Responding

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a massive impact on employee mental health. But businesses are responding by introducing specific wellbeing-focussed initiatives and benefits.

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

Employers Increase Health & Wellbeing Offerings During Pandemic

Almost half of employers have increased their focus on employee health and wellbeing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, new research shows. According to research by Employee Benefits, which surveyed 200 HR decision-makers, 46% of organisations said they have boosted their employee health and wellbeing offerings in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Stephen Hough
September 16, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Mental Health: Insurance & Support

People with mental health issues have a clear desire to get access to insurance, new research reveals. However, the vast majority of people with poor mental health do not know where to go to get independent advice on how mental health issues can potentially impact an insurance application.

Darren Perkins
August 6, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Mental Health: Workplace Wellbeing Initiatives

Research shows that emotional and physical wellbeing are closely linked. Therefore, to stand the greatest chance of having happy, healthy and productive staff, employers need to be taking a holistic approach to employee wellbeing.

Terry Fromant
August 3, 2020
  |  
Read time: 
2
 minutes

Why Employee Wellbeing Is Crucial To Business Success

Even before the coronavirus outbreak occurred, UK productivity was slowing at an alarming rate. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that productivity in the UK has pretty much flatlined since the 2008 recession. In fact, research from academics at Loughborough University and the University of Sussex shows that the productivity growth slowdown since the 2008 financial crisis is unprecedented in more than two centuries.

Terry Fromant
May 1, 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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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
  |  
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

Speak to an independent insurance advisor

Our advisors are available to answer any questions, compare or renew policies, and help advise you on insurance needs. To speak to someone, provide some contact information, and a member will be in touch.

We’re independent of providers, meaning that we have access to a broad range of insurance products across the UK, and offer an unbiased approach to choosing the best option for you.

Why choose Premier Choice Group?

Personal market analysis

Our team will personally review your options

White checkmark

Free comparison service

Our no obligation service is entirely free

White checkmark

Independent advice

Our advice is always unbiased and impartial

White checkmark

Fair analysis

We aim to offer a fair analysis of policies available on the market

White checkmark

Single UK-based contact

A UK based company providing a nationwide service

White checkmark

Qualified advisors

Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

White checkmark