05 Mar 2012
Figures published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in November of last year claim that an estimated 1.2 million people said they were suffering from an illness caused or made worse by their work.[1] Market research has also identified that ‘Stress’ has become the most common cause of long-term sickness for both manual and non-manual employees’.[2]
Many businesses offer employees some protection on their income in the event of long term absence from work due to illness or injury. This is normally accomplished through a Group Income Protection insurance scheme; however, not all businesses take advantage of the additional benefits that are available with these types of plans. These include Early Intervention support, Rehabilitation Services or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP).
What are Early Intervention and Rehabilitation Services?
The earlier an absent employee is able to access medical treatment and/or rehabilitation support the earlier they are likely to be able to return to work. These services help achieve this as the insurer offers absent employees access to medical professionals and rehabilitation consultants who specialise in their medical condition.
The insurer may also consider paying for private tests or medical treatment if they believe this will achieve an earlier return to work.
What is an Employee Assistance Programme?
An Employee Assistance Programme offers help 24/7 for insured employees to support them through the challenges of daily life. As well as providing benefits such as counselling, debt management advice and in some cases retail discounts, there are also features that can be used by the employer, for example, access to HR and legal advice and absence tracking software.
Wingate would be happy to review your existing Group Income Protection arrangements or provide you with costs and further information on implementing such a scheme.
Our Service
- Wingate will discuss your business circumstances with you to ensure we identify your specific business needs.
- Based on this research we will provide you with a report confirming the options available and our recommendations without cost or obligation.
- If you wish to make changes to your benefits, we will implement these adjustments on your behalf.
Wingate Benefits Solutions is here to assist you with all aspects of Group Risk Benefits. Should you wish to discuss this or any other such matter please contact your Wingate Benefit Solutions adviser on 0844 406 0027.
March 2012
Tax and legislation are liable to change. This information is based on Wingate Benefits Solutions’ current understanding of UK law and HM Revenue & Customs practice and legislation. No guarantees are given regarding the effectiveness of any arrangements entered into on the basis of the information contained herewith. It is recommended that professional advice is sought prior to entering into any financial arrangement.
