Insurers play an important role in helping employees to get back to work quicker, according to research from Vitality.
The research showed that of the insurance advisers polled, a total of 85% say that insurers have either full (35%) or (50%) significant responsibility to help people get back to work quicker.
That was based on research carried out with OnePoll on behalf of Vitality with 200 UK insurance advisers who wrote insurance policies between 6 March and 10 March 2025.
Meanwhile, Aviva research released in January showed that more than four fifths of employers (82%) agreed that they play an important role in helping employees return to work after ill-health.
Other research from Vitality highlighted significant gaps in employee awareness on workplace sick leave policies, potentially leaving them financially unprotected if they are unable to work due to illness.
The consumer research showed a third (35%) of employees polled said they did nut know, or were unsure, what their company’s sick leave policy is.
And around a third (36%) were not sure how long their employer would pay them if they were off work ill, with a further 9% saying their employer does not pay sick leave at all.
The consumer research carried out with Opinium on behalf of Vitality with 2,000 participants between 20 February and 27 February 2025
Only 1% disagreed and said that insurers do not have much responsibility.
Justin Taurog, CEO of Vitality Life, (pictured) said: “Falling ill and being unable to work can put a tremendous strain on household finances.
“While income protection has traditionally provided financial support in these circumstances, we’ve been working to ensure it goes further than this, providing value throughout the life of the policy and playing a vital role in supporting people in their recovery, so they are able to return to work sooner.”
