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

Most cancer self-referrals are for women in their 30s and 40s: Healix Health

Most cancer self-referrals are for women in their 30s and 40s: Healix Health

Claims data for Q2 2026

Jaskeet Briah
clock 19 August 2026 • 1 min read
Unemployment up 0.2% in Q2 2026

Unemployment up 0.2% in Q2 2026

Rate cut chances fade

Michael Nelson
clock 18 August 2026 • 2 min read
82% of employees want proactive return-to-work support: L&G

82% of employees want proactive return-to-work support: L&G

Most employers would value more industry support

Jaskeet Briah
clock 18 August 2026 • 2 min read