Autumn Statement 23: Protection and health industry reaction

'Too focused on sick and disabled adults already out of work, rather than how to prevent the illnesses'

Jaskeet Briah
clock • 5 min read

Protection and health insurance industry participants offer their thoughts on the Autumn Statement, with a focus on announcements on the government’s Back to Work Plan and voluntary occupational health (OH) framework.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt yesterday (22 November) announced a slew of measures to help disabled people back into work, ranging from reform of the fit note system and the announcement of a new universal support programme. Julia Turney, partner at independent consultancy Barnett Waddingham, said that although it was good to see the government take an innovative approach to tackling a sensitive issue, the plans are still high-level and vague at this stage. "Success (or failure) depends on execution. We can't burden employers with more compliance but instead can arm them with accessible, cos...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Group Protection

Long-term sickness causing declining productivity at UK companies - research

Long-term sickness causing declining productivity at UK companies - research

Increase in healthcare benefit provision costs

Jaskeet Briah
clock 12 November 2024 • 2 min read
The myth of 100% productivity; a risk to wellbeing?

The myth of 100% productivity; a risk to wellbeing?

"We can't make everyone into robots"

Vanessa Sallows
clock 12 November 2024 • 4 min read
Employers placing ESG importance on employee benefit providers

Employers placing ESG importance on employee benefit providers

GRiD research shows

Jaskeet Briah
clock 05 November 2024 • 2 min read