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Your monthly update from West Craven
Welcome to the West Craven Insurance June Newsletter. This month we provide some helpful advice to keep you updated with the latest industry changes.
In particular, we take a look at:
- Why companies should consider what they can do to engage and retain young workforce members
- Cyber-scams continue to rise. What do you need to be cautious of? Find out below
- The five key reasons SMEs need to have a business insurance policy in place
- Will the UK's four-day working week trial prove to be a success?
We hope you enjoy this month's edition!
‘Inexpensive’ ways to protect your home as winter approaches
HEATING your home in the winter is a necessity for most Britons as temperatures are predicted to plummet over the next few weeks. But is your boiler up to it? Here's how to prepare and protect your system and avoid costly repair jobs.
Click here to read ‘Inexpensive’ ways to protect your home as winter approaches.
How workplace safety will evolve this year
Many firms are asking staff to return to work in the office. We are no longer required to self-isolate with Covid and there is no obligation for staff to tell employers if they test positive. So what does this mean for workplace safety in 2022?
Infection prevention
Many employers are experiencing an increased expectation from their workforce to keep staff safe and well. Employers should continue to prioritise infection prevention and control, where possible increasing ventilation, reducing contact between employees and keeping the workplace clean.
Remote working obligations
Now that businesses of all types have adapted to remote working, many have embraced it. Some have even altered recruitment policies to widen the pool of talent and actively recruited people on remote-working contracts.
In the rush to shift to remote working in 2020, a large number of employers may not have taken the time to complete home-based working risk assessments. Now that remote working is here to stay, it is important that risk managers take seriously the health and safety responsibilities of people working at home. From electrical equipment to posture, employers have a legal duty to take appropriate measures to ensure their staff have a safe working environment outside of the workplace.
Mental Health
Employers across the country are placing mental health and wellbeing high up on their agenda, offering training to line managers and appointing roles such as a mental health first aider. In 2021, The Health & Safety Executive’s annual report on workplace health and safety statistics, showed 451,000 people suffering from a new case of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. That was a 30% year-on-year increase and we expect that figure to rise again.
Some employees will not feel comfortable returning to pre-pandemic working patterns. They may need help managing a phased return to the workplace, along with psychological support around coping with anxious thoughts.
For others, the last two years working from home may have taken a toll on their mental health. Employees working from home are more likely to feel isolated compared to those in a workplace, sometimes resulting in anxiety, depression and a significant lack of motivation. Employers should be reassuring employees that they can ask for help and receive support if they need it.
Disputes linked to safety concerns
Risk managers need to be aware of the potential for unrelated disputes to play out in a workplace safety context. An employee with a grievance about terms of employment, a flexible working request or even a performance-related issue, could latch onto workplace safety as a justification for a certain course of action.
It is more important than ever for risk managers to work in partnership with Human Resources departments as well as individual line managers, ensuring processes are well-documented and paper trail management is scrupulous.
Now is a great time to ensure your insurance policies cover you for all the risks to which you may be exposed. To discuss any aspect of your company’s insurance policy portfolio, get in touch.
Have you sufficiently prepared your car for the spring season?
As the warmer weather sets in, days become longer and the evening skies are brighter, we know spring has arrived.
Throughout the winter, we’re all guilty of neglecting our cars’ needs. After all, spending time out in the cold, snowy weather, checking fluid levels, testing brakes and cleaning from top to bottom is not everyone’s cup of tea.
So, why not treat your car to its very own spring clean this month? Here are three things you can get started with.
Do you need new wipers?
The snow, rain, and icy weather that we encounter throughout the winter can mean that you need new wipers by the time spring arrives. If you notice your windscreen is streaky or still dirty after you have cleaned it, this may be a tell-tale sign that now is the time to invest in some new wipers.
Have you tested your brakes recently?
Signs that show your brakes may be wearing include squeaking or grinding noises when applying pressure to the brake pedal. Brakes can be professionally tested and fixed during a routine service, ensuring you, your family and your car are all safe!
Did you know that leaving your car dirty can cause damage?
With gritted roads and melting ice, your car can get particularly dirty during the winter. Now that spring has arrived, why not get your cleaning products out and make your car look new? Leaving dirt on your car can lead to micro-scratches and rusting paintwork – not something any car owner wants!
Is your car insurance policy up for renewal soon? Our knowledgeable experts are here to ensure you take out a sufficient policy that covers all your needs. Get in touch today to find out more.
How workplace safety will evolve this year
Many firms are asking staff to return to work in the office. We are no longer required to self-isolate with Covid and there is no obligation for staff to tell employers if they test positive. So what does this mean for workplace safety in 2022?
Infection prevention
Many employers are experiencing an increased expectation from their workforce to keep staff safe and well. Employers should continue to prioritise infection prevention and control, where possible increasing ventilation, reducing contact between employees and keeping the workplace clean.
Remote working obligations
Now that businesses of all types have adapted to remote working, many have embraced it. Some have even altered recruitment policies to widen the pool of talent and actively recruited people on remote-working contracts.
In the rush to shift to remote working in 2020, a large number of employers may not have taken the time to complete home-based working risk assessments. Now that remote working is here to stay, it is important that risk managers take seriously the health and safety responsibilities of people working at home. From electrical equipment to posture, employers have a legal duty to take appropriate measures to ensure their staff have a safe working environment outside of the workplace.
Mental Health
Employers across the country are placing mental health and wellbeing high up on their agenda, offering training to line managers and appointing roles such as a mental health first aider. In 2021, The Health & Safety Executive’s annual report on workplace health and safety statistics, showed 451,000 people suffering from a new case of work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. That was a 30% year-on-year increase and we expect that figure to rise again.
Some employees will not feel comfortable returning to pre-pandemic working patterns. They may need help managing a phased return to the workplace, along with psychological support around coping with anxious thoughts.
For others, the last two years working from home may have taken a toll on their mental health. Employees working from home are more likely to feel isolated compared to those in a workplace, sometimes resulting in anxiety, depression and a significant lack of motivation. Employers should be reassuring employees that they can ask for help and receive support if they need it.
Disputes linked to safety concerns
Risk managers need to be aware of the potential for unrelated disputes to play out in a workplace safety context. An employee with a grievance about terms of employment, a flexible working request or even a performance-related issue, could latch onto workplace safety as a justification for a certain course of action.
It is more important than ever for risk managers to work in partnership with Human Resources departments as well as individual line managers, ensuring processes are well-documented and paper trail management is scrupulous.
Now is a great time to ensure your insurance policies cover you for all the risks to which you may be exposed. To discuss any aspect of your company’s insurance policy portfolio, get in touch.
Cyber-scams continue to rise
Last year, the UK government blocked 2.7 million online scams with the help of its Active Cyber Defence (ACD) initiative, led by GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre. This statistic represents a four-fold increase in scams removed, due to more types of fraud being included within ACD’s remit.
For example, the ACD now targets scams based on extortion or fake celebrity endorsements. The recent pandemic has also given rise to other worrying trends, such as people flogging fake coronavirus vaccines and passports, or trying to phish information disguised as the NHS. With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we can expect to see more issues relating to cyber-security and ransomware.
There have been some positive changes. The ACD and telecommunication companies are working together to make it harder for scammers to contact people on seemingly genuine phone numbers.
In addition, online crime forums and darknet marketplaces are facing increasing action. At the same time, recent banking sanctions may help to reduce the activity of Russian-based cyber criminals who need to access the proceeds of their scams.
There are various ways you can stay clear of online con artists. For instance, email-based scams often give themselves away with poor spelling or grammar, suspicious links, and demands for instant action or payment. Likewise, no one wins anything without buying a ticket first – and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Never share your personal information online, and if you suspect you’ve been duped, inform your bank and the Action Fraud hotline immediately. Beyond this, advice websites such as MoneySavingExpert share plenty of tips to ensure you don’t become a victim of cybercrime.
If you have any concerns about the process, or would like to discuss your options, get in touch with us today.
Five reasons SMEs need business insurance
A recent survey has revealed that over 50% of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are uninsured. Of those surveyed, a quarter of business owners said they had not considered business insurance, whilst three quarters said they felt their business was too small to be insured.
Here are five reasons we recommend business insurance to owners of SMEs:
1. Protecting your working environment
Putting the right level of Buildings and Contents Insurance for your business is essential. Whether you work from home, a garden building or commercial offices, it is important to insure your workspace against fire, flooding and other damage. It is also essential to insure your equipment against theft. Consider not only the cost of repairs, rebuilding and replacing, but also the potential loss of income incurred by any disruption.
2. Protecting against legal action
Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance can protect you when things go wrong. If a business loses money or their reputation suffers as a result of using your services, or your actions, you could be presented with a liability claim. Similarly, if anyone is injured or their property damaged due to your negligence, you could face expensive legal action against you or your employees.
3. Complying with the law
Even if you have just one employee, you are legally required to have Employer’s Liability Insurance. If a member of your team suffers an injury or an illness as a result of working for you, you could face the costs of legal action, as well as a financial non-compliance penalty for each day you were uninsured.
4. Attracting the best staff by providing generous life and health insurance
As an employee benefit, you can offer staff a highly attractive package which sets you apart from other employers in a similar field of business.
5. Honouring a contractual requirement
Check your contracts with customers – a lack of the correct insurance policy can sometimes invalidate a contract. Make sure you are properly covered.
If you run your own business and do not yet have insurance, get in touch for a no-obligation quotation.
Why companies need to re-evaluate purpose to engage the younger workforce
Eduardo Plastino, Director at Cognizant Research, reflects on what companies can do to engage and retain a young workforce in the face of the ‘Great Resignation‘.
Click here to read Why companies need to re-evaluate purpose to engage the younger workforce.
Will the UK’s four-day working week trial prove successful?
This week, thousands of UK workers began a four-day working week trial, which will see around 70 companies take part in the scheme...
Click here to read Will the UK’s four-day working week trial prove successful?.
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