According to a new survey from Jelf Employee Benefits, more employers are likely to support employee benefits following the Healthcare and Welfare reforms.
The survey showed that:
– Almost a quarter (24%) of employers at small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are more likely to support Private Medical Insurance provision as a result of changes to the NHS. (70% believed their company would maintain their current levels of provision.)
– Similarly, 11% believe that their company would be more likely to provide Group Income Protection for employees as a result of changes to the Welfare State. (79% would continue with current levels.)
Employee-paid benefits
In addition to the reforms having a positive impact on employer-paid or contributed benefits, the changes may also be the catalyst for a greater provision of employee-paid medical and income protection: 48% of companies expect to add more voluntary (ie employee paid) benefits as a result of these reforms.
Steve Herbert, head of benefits strategy at Jelf Employee Benefits said: “Employers are by no means immune from the impact of the government cutbacks on the individuals wellbeing – increased absenteeism is one obvious consequence that employers will have to face, as well as duties to those on long-term sick leave.
“Whilst an employer can win some fairly obvious brownie points from employees by having a wider choice of benefit options in place, it also shows that employers are willing and able to ensure that their business is protected. Ensuring that key staff return to work at the optimum time – not before they are ready but without huge delays – will be vital in keeping small businesses, and the economy heading in the right direction.”
Source : Jelf Employee Benefits
