Quarter of UK employers lack support for seriously ill staff

Research shows 'disconnect' between employer and employee

Adam Saville
clock • 2 min read

Employees have poor understanding of what they’re offered in practice, research from GRiD suggests

A quarter (23%) of UK businesses do not offer any form of emotional or practical support to employees if they are diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer or heart disease, according to research revealed by industry body GRiD. Of those who do offer support, the most prevalent types of provision are a phased return to work plan (43%) and emotional support, such as counselling (42%). Other common forms of support offered include practical support, such as access to rehabilitation (35%), line manager training (28%), access to medical specialists such as oncologists (27%), second medi...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Group Protection

Workplace ill-health costing the UK £16.4bn per year

Workplace ill-health costing the UK £16.4bn per year

35.7m days lost in 24/25

Jaskeet Briah
clock 20 November 2025 • 2 min read
Two thirds of businesses report stress-related absences

Two thirds of businesses report stress-related absences

Simplyhealth and CIPD research

Jaskeet Briah
clock 20 November 2025 • 2 min read
Seven in 10 adults say work has positive impact on health and wellbeing

Seven in 10 adults say work has positive impact on health and wellbeing

Cirencester Friendly research

Jaskeet Briah
clock 19 November 2025 • 1 min read