Jim Bichard

This week’s headlines about UK sick days gave me pause.   The latest data from CIPD paints a stark picture: UK sick days are reportedly at their highest level in 15 years, with the average employee missing nearly two weeks of work each year due to illness or mental health challenges.    Behind these statistics are real people, real families, and real businesses feeling the strain. The reasons are complex: an ageing workforce, rising long-term health conditions, and the growing impact of poor mental health.   At Vitality, our own insight from Britain’s Healthiest Workplace echoes this trend. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a steady rise in depression, anxiety, and burnout among UK employees.    There is, however, much we can do – and good reason to do it. Our own incentive-based behaviour change programme continues to show that prioritising employee health delivers tangible outcomes: from better mental wellbeing and higher job satisfaction to a stronger sense of support at work.   This is an important moment. As the country debates how to balance workers’ rights with business sustainability, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture: empowering people to live healthier, more productive lives, and enabling businesses to thrive in the long term. https://lnkd.in/ejvH7FxU #Wellbeing #Prevention #WorkplaceHealth

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As Europe charts a path toward long-term competitiveness, the insurance sector stands ready to play a pivotal role as a catalyst for sustainable growth. The recent launch of the Savings and Investments Union (SIU) marks a bold and strategic initiative to unlock capital and drive innovation—an effort aimed squarely at strengthening Europe’s long-term economic resilience. In this context, the revision of the Level 1 Solvency II Directive is a significant step toward realising the ambitions of the SIU. As I recently had the opportunity to highlight in my contribution to the latest Insurance Europe Annual Report, the ongoing Solvency II reform represents a strategic lever for advancing Europe’s economic and investment agenda. The review can empower insurers as long-term institutional investors, boost innovation and support emerging technologies, and channel capital into sustainable infrastructure and alternative assets. However, to fully deliver on the SIU’s potential, Level 2 calibrations must be robust, evidence-based, and free from unnecessary complexity—ensuring that resources are directed toward what truly matters: Europe’s long-term prosperity and global economic leadership. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/dbT4xkmX

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Today marks the launch of our ninth annual Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report, a vital resource for #SMEs navigating an increasingly complex cyber landscape. This year’s findings reveal that 59% of SMEs experienced a cyber-attack in the past 12 months, yet their response has been nothing short of determined: 94% plan to increase investment in cyber security and data protection. At Hiscox, we are proud to stand alongside SMEs, providing not just insurance but insight, expertise, and practical support. Our report highlights the real risks and the resilience shown by businesses and underscores our commitment to helping them build long-term cyber defences. You can read our full 2025 Cyber Readiness Report below 👇

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The introduction of the Risk-Based Capital (RBC) framework marks a fundamental shift from static solvency margins to risk-sensitive standards, aligning our industry with international best practices. Key implications: 👉Solvency ratios have recalibrated from 295% to 228%, revealing the true risk positions of insurers. 👉Companies with lean capital must reinforce resilience; those with excess reserves must deploy capital more productively. 👉RBC elevates the focus from regulatory compliance to long-term stability, policyholder protection, and strategic growth. While challenges remain — from data and actuarial capacity to system readiness — this transition is an opportunity to strengthen governance, foster innovation, and enhance trust in the industry. RBC is more than a regulatory change. It is a pathway toward resilience, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Note: Please find the attached article for detailed reading.

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