Expert insight, analysis and commentary across the entire protection industry.
by ProtectionReview 03/01/12
One of the biggest issues to be addressed in 2012, in a year when many other changes are likely to be afoot, is how the EU Gender Directive will impact on protection. From December 21 2012, the use of risk factors based on gender in connection with insurance premiums and benefits will officially become incompatible with the principle of equal treatment for men and women under European law. The rule of unisex premiums and benefits will apply. So, what does all this mean for our industry and, specifically, for protection? On 22 December the European Commission published its guidelines on…
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by ProtectionReview 07/12/11
Sickness Absence Review David Frost CBE and Dame Carol Black were commissioned by DWP and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills(BIS) to carry out an independent review of the UK’s sickness absence system. The recommendations to introduce an Independent Assessment Service, a reduction in public sector absence, a job brokering service for long-term sickness absence cases and the proposal to abolish the 13-week assessment phase for ESA have their merits but we think there are some omissions and potential problems with the review’s conclusions. There is nothing on the role of (regular) health professionals in signposting…
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by ProtectionReview 01/11/11
Jobs on Jobs As the leaves turn and the days shorten and the T shirts and shorts are put away to be replaced by coats and scarves, thoughts are turning ever more to the more weighty matters that face us, including that of employment and its effects on social cohesion and wellbeing. In an article entitled Lonely Planet (1), in the RSA journal for Autumn 2011, John Cacciopo reminds us that in the 21st century, we are facing profound demographic changes that are expected to transform communities and societies worldwide, for better or for worse. He expresses the view…
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by ProtectionReview 26/10/11 5QI
Philip Wood, Health Shield Friendly Society 1. What was the first song/album you can remember buying? Rebelling against Saturday Night Fever and Grease soundtracks which were coming from my sisters’ bedroom, my first single was David Watts by the Jam in 1978 and first album was The Specials in 1979 which led me in to the mod revival and scooter scene of the early 80’s. I’m still a huge Weller fan by the way, but haven’t been tempted to revisit my youth with the Vespa. 2. What is your biggest pet hate about the world of financial services? Generally, the…
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by ProtectionReview 26/10/11
There has been wide press coverage recently of the fraudulent “Honduras death claim”. Mr McErlean (the alleged deceased) received a criminal sentence of over six years on 30 September 2011. Although this fraudulent death claim was in manner respects carefully planned with a faked supporting witness statement and official papers, Mr McErlean made the “fatal” (to excuse the pun) mistake of leaving his finger prints on the death certificate! The Insurer’s suspicions were initially aroused when the claimant declined to provide Mr McErlean’s passport during the policy claim verification process. This highlights the importance of all members of the claims…
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