Disability insurer Unum has launched a new service to help employers manage their sickness absence costs and keep group income protection (GIP) premiums to a minimum.

Premier, an enhanced version of Unum's Active Key Account Management service, is now available for the insurer's GIP clients. Premier provides vocational rehabilitation support before a claim is made by providing regular contact between the employer and the Unum account manager and support team.The service aims to reduce the number of claims made and lower absence levels.

Colin Fitzgerald, national accounts director at Unum, said: "Premier is a proven modern and flexible support system for larger clients with limited time and/or resources to manage sickness absence."

The Premier services aims to be more flexible and reduce the amount of paperwork involved with an absence. It will also offer an improved reporting and delivery, as well as increase access to medical services.