Millions of workers do not receive benefits

Nearly 30% of the UK workforce does not receive any employee benefits, according to research by Canada Life Group.

It found that nine million workers are not given any benefits by their employers. Women (32%) are more likely not to receive any benefits, compared to 27% of men.

The research also found that 31% of respondents would like to receive access to more benefits from their employer and that 20% believe changes, such as pensions auto-enrolment, will increase the importance of the benefits an employer offers.

It also found:

  • Among respondents that do receive benefits, a pension with employer contributions was the most commonly received (47%), followed by more than 28 days holiday (39%) and a life insurance or death-in-service policy (36%).
  • 29*are given free eye tests.
  • 13% are offered private medical insurance.
  • 7% have insurance provided by their employer to protect them against illness or injury.
  • 5% are given free gym membership by their employer.
  • 4% of respondents can receive a lump sum as part of their critical illness cover.

Paul Avis, sales and marketing director at Canada Life, said: “It is disappointing that almost a third of workers do not believe they receive any workplace benefits at all.

“They may well feel that they are lacking in the support or recognition that they deserve, and with upcoming changes such as auto-enrolment putting workplace benefits firmly in the spotlight, they are even more likely to notice the lack.”