Employee Benefit Consultants (EBCs) are forecasting growth in the group income protection (Group IP) market with one in three expecting to increase sales this year, research has found.
Metlife Employee Benefits' study of 100 consultants found 33% of EBCs are forecasting increased sales. Meanwhile, 57% expecting sales to remain the same.
The research also found that two-thirds of consultants (66%) are not offered group IP by their employers.
Consultants also do not receive help with health at work- just 19% say their company offers help with improving health such as wellness programmes.
That contrasts with what advisers want to see for their clients - most advisers welcome innovation from providers - 85% say they would like to see more innovation - and 57% say help with reducing absence is a key selling point for group IP.
Tom Gaynor, employee benefits director of MetLife UK said: "EBCs clearly believe the outlook for group IP is healthy for the year ahead with nearly a third forecasting growth.
"But it is striking that despite advising on group IP so many of them are not offered it at work. Innovation is crucial for expanding the market so perhaps new products might tempt the employers of EBCs."
