Legal & General Group Protection is working with vocational rehabilitation specialist Ergocom to provide employees, where appropriate, with the support they need following a group income protection (GIP) claim, when they are unable to continue in their existing role.
The insurer explained the support is designed to help both employers and their employee understand what job roles the individual can do, and what is needed for them to continue working in a new role.
The service will be made available following a GIP claim, where the employee is ready to work, but due to personal circumstances, they can no longer fulfil their previous role and, as a result, will be supported to seek alternative options.
It also has the potential to include everything from individual assessment and detailed reporting, to coaching which helps the employee develop additional skills and confidence.
Ergocom’s vocational redirection assessment will examine the employee’s vocational strengths, needs and career potential, taking into account any barriers or functional limitations to identify suitable, alternative roles.
A comprehensive report will then be provided identifying a vocational goal, suitable career options, detailed information about job roles and training requirements and costs.
It includes costed recommendations for any assistance required, such as support, training, vocational counselling and coaching, CV development and interview preparation and is designed to address any barriers and facilitate a sustained return to work in an alternative, suitable role.
In the event vocational counselling and coaching is deemed relevant, this will be delivered by employability specialists.
Various counselling and coaching options will include group support sessions; one to one bespoke packages; and additional support for those facing added challenges, such as the over 50s.
Learning will be provided as part of a blended approach mixing online, with self-directed learning.
Helen Valls-Russell, director and occupational therapist at Ergocom, said: “We’re really excited to partner with Legal & General, an organisation that shares our passion for taking a hands-on and proactive approach to rehabilitation.
“Like Legal & General, we wholeheartedly believe that good work is beneficial for health. And just because an individual can no longer carry out their existing role, it doesn’t mean they cannot find another, more suitable role.
“We have particular expertise working with complex cases and enjoy excellent results in achieving sustained return to work for these individuals.”
Vanessa Sallows, group protection claims and governance director at Legal & General, (pictured) added: “We continually review the support we provide to our clients and their employees from a claims proposition perspective, and we identified an area where we could strengthen our provision even further, following feedback from our customers.
“Ergocom bring a wealth of expertise in vocational redirection assessment and coaching, complementing the skills of our existing in-house Vocational Clinical team by helping ensure a sustainable return to work for more people following a group income protection claim, regardless of whether they’re able to return to their existing role or not.
“We’ve long known that work can be the driving force for wellbeing and a goal in recovery, wherever appropriate. Consequently, work is the driving force behind our Be Well. Get Better. Be Supported. outcomes-focused framework, and also our partnership with Ergocom, which will help to evolve and enhance our framework even further.”