All Healthcare and wellbeing articles – Page 247
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AnalysisTaking care of international employees
Staff who are relocated overseas have special requirements, such as access to healthcare for both existing and new conditions. David Healy explains how insurers are supporting this important group of employees.Even with a supportive employer relocation package, moving abroad to work can sometimes be daunting for employees. Healthcare is always ...
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AnalysisWhat are the latest trends in occupational health?
If you read nothing else read this…Employers are working with occupational health to meet legal working requirements.Occupational health services can help an employee manage sickness absence and mitigate health risks.Technology is being increasingly used for management referrals and remote consultations.There are generally three types of occupational health model: outsourced remote ...
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Case StudiesBNP Paribas aligns multiple benefits schemes to achieve business vision
This challenge involved the alignment of benefits provision across seven core businesses to just one scheme in order to achieve the organisation’s vision. Ian Mackenzie, head of pension and benefits, explains that with seven businesses in the UK operating in different markets, each one has its own individual business challenges. ...
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Analysis
23, 24: How can employers treat musculoskeletal disorders cost-effectively?
If you read nothing else, read this…Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and back pain are among the main causes of short- and long-term absences in the UK.Ergonomic assessments and physiotherapy services can help identify and treat MSDs.Physical activities, such as walking clubs and yoga classes, can help prevent the onset of MSDs.While ...
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ArticleLend Lease launches wellbeing days
Employee Benefits Live 2015: Lend Lease has introduced paid ‘wellbeing days’ for staff to use to rest and recuperate, so they can return to work and perform at their optimum level.The scheme has been launched on a trust basis, with staff expected to take one wellbeing day per quarter throughout ...
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ArticleParexel accredited for cancer support
Biopharmaceutical firm Parexel, which employs 18,660 staff, has been recognised for the support it provides to staff and their families in detecting cancer and supporting those coping with the disease.Parexel has been accredited as a CEO Gold Standard employer by the US-based CEO Roundtable on Cancer, a non-profit organisation that ...
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ArticleBalfour Beatty moves staff eyecare online
Infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has moved its employee eyecare benefits online with the introduction of e-vouchers. Over 1,000 employees have access to these vouchers, provided by Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, which cover safety eyewear, sight tests, driver eyecare and DSE eyecare.The vouchers can be purchased and distributed electronically via the new ...
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ArticleEmployer-paid PMI policies decline by 14,000
There were 3.94 million private medical insurance (PMI) policies at the start of 2015, compared to 3.97 million a year earlier, according to a study by market intelligence firm LaingBuisson.Its Health cover UK market report also found that employer-paid PMI policies fell by around 14,000 over 2014.The research also found:The ...
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ArticleUnum acquires National Dental Plan
Financial protection firm Unum has announced the acquisition of National Dental Plan (NDP) from Capita plc in a deal worth £31.7 million.The acquisition of the dental insurance provider, which remains subject to regulatory approval, will widen Unum’s portfolio of employee benefits.The deal will help both Unum and NDP to expand ...
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ArticleHertfordshire County Council introduces health screening
EXCLUSIVE: Hertfordshire County Council has introduced salary sacrifice health screening for its 8,500 employees.The scheme was launched in June 2015 and is available through the council’s current reward package, Herts Rewards.Offered as a voluntary employee benefit through Bluecrest Wellness, the health screening will enable employees to access a range of ...
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ArticleEAT introduces 18-month limit on holiday pay carry over
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has ruled that employees can only carry over unused holiday due to sickness absence for a maximum of 18 months. The EAT also found that absent members of staff do not need to prove that illness was the reason for not taking the holiday.In the ...
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Article43% say fit notes do not aid return to work
Almost half (43%) of respondents believe that the government’s fit note is not helping staff to return to work, according to research by manufacturers’ organisation EEF and Jelf Employee Benefits.The study, which surveyed 345 employers, also found that less than a quarter (22%) of respondents think that the fit note ...
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ArticleInsurance premium tax to rise to 9.5%
Summer Budget 2015: The insurance premium tax rate will rise from 6% to 9.5%. The increase, which was revealed by Chancellor George Osborne in his Budget announcement yesterday (8 July), will come into force in November 2015.Osborne said: “Britain’s insurance premium tax is well below tax rates in many other ...
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ArticleAxa gains approval for Simplyhealth acquisition
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has granted approval for Axa UK’s acquisition of Simplyhealth’s private medical insurance (PMI) business.The transaction, which was first announced in May 2015, is aimed at strengthening Axa’s presence in the UK healthcare market.Following the sale of its PMI business, Simplyhealth will continue to ...
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ArticleWB Power Services implements new eyecare benefit
EXCLUSIVE: WB Power Services has introduced eyecare e-vouchers for its 41 members of staff.The supplier of temporary and back-up power solutions already provides safety eyewear for its engineers, and will be offering optical care e-vouchers as an additional extra.This new benefit, provided by Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, will be available to ...
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ArticleJust 10% offer mental health training
Only one in 10 (10%) of employers offer mental health training to managers, according to research by Jelf Employee Benefits and manufacturers’ organisation EEF.The study, which surveyed 345 employers, also found that 80% of organisations do not measure the cost of absence.The research also found:Overall sickness absence levels remain low ...
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ArticleBuyer's guide to health screening 2015
Health screening comprises a range of assessments and tests that can help identify health risks at an early stage. They can help to keep a workforce fit and healthy by allowing employers and employees to take steps to reduce any health problems that are identified.Identifying health risks or issues can ...
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AnalysisHow to align workplace health with the Public Health Responsibility Deal
If you read nothing else, read this…The Public Health Responsibility Deal was introduced in 2013 to tackle key health problems.It requires employers to commit to promote principles in their workplaces that tackle these issues.Employers can draw guidance from the principles and align their own health and wellbeing strategy to the ...
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ArticleGroup risk report 2015
Smooth transitionHow do employers help staff return to work following cancer treatment?Group risk benefits in numbersA round up of the latest facts and figures around group risk benefits.Jim Lister: How almost all group risk legal problems can be avoidedAppropriate contractual drafting must be ensured.Where should group risk benefits sit in ...
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AnalysisTop tips for maximising the return on investment in dental benefits
If you read nothing else, read this…Employers can boost dental benefits take-up by highlighting the importance of good oral health to staff.Regular communication campaigns promoting the benefit should be complemented by leaflets, posters, webinars and benefits fairs.Onsite or near-site dental treatment can help to limit an employee’s time out of ...