This year's COVER Protection Forum once again gave readers the chance to air their views on the market. It was great to see so many delegates at the London event actively questioning panel speakers and having their say about the issues of the day.
Unsurprisingly, the ongoing debate around the future of the critical illness (CI) market was high on the day's agenda, a subject that seemed to urge a lot of delegates to raise their hands.
When are we likely to see this much talked about 'new generation' of CI products? This was just one of the questions delegates asked, however it seems insurers are less than willing to discuss their plans. The competitive nature of this market looks set to increase as we impatiently await some answers.
Rehabilitation and the increasing need for better sickness absence schemes in the workplace were also a hot topic at this year's conference. Guest speaker Mansel Aylward of the Department for Work and Pensions, brought home some astonishing truths about the rising numbers of people claiming State incapacity benefits. The rise in the number of claimants suffering mental illness, instead of back pain that topped the list just a few years ago, shows a growing shift in attitudes.
As the stigma traditionally attached to psychiatric illness begins to ease, employers have to be more vigilant than ever to ensure conditions such as workplace stress do not affect their staff – and if they do that they have the right support services in place. According to speakers at the conference, advisers could be perfectly placed to make this happen.
For a full report on all speakers and seminar sessions at the Forum, turn to page 10.
Kirstie Redford. editor
