ProtectionMar 25 2015

More protection for mental health is needed: L&G

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More protection for mental health is needed: L&G

Legal & General has stated its commitment to addressing mental health issues in the workplace, to ensure employers can provide appropriate benefits and support to staff.

Fiona King, group protection rehabilitation manager at Legal & General, said: “It is crucial to address the issues surrounding mental health in the workplace and we will continue to push this message.”

Paul Burstow Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam, welcomed the commitment, saying: “Good mental health is good for business.

“There is a wealth of practical tools available to improve employees’ mental health. It is great to head about the positive work L&G is doing in this area.”

This came a month after fellow life provider Friends Life took part in Time to Talk Day, which was held on 5 February as part of the Time to Change campaign organised by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

Adviser view

Emma Thomson, life office relationship director for London-based Lifesearch, said: “There is a challenge with helping clients with mental illnesses getting cover. Depending on how long ago their mental health issue was, and the reasons for it - such as divorce or a bad workplace - then they should get a standard rate but if they have an ongoing issue, they can pay an increased rate.

“When it comes to income protection, there can be exclusions, especially if there has been an issue in the past and underwriters can be concerned about this from a risk perspective.

“Some providers might discount the premium even if there is an exclusion, but it can be really tough for people with some mental illnesses.”