Aviva group protection claims report showcases the impact of vocational rehabilitation on employees returning to work

As the Government embarks on its Keep Britain Working Review, Aviva’s latest Group Protection Claims and Wellbeing Insight Report, published today, underscores the pivotal role of Group Income Protection in aiding employees' return to work following ill-health.

In the past year, Aviva provided clinical and vocational rehabilitation support to over 2,600 employees across 292 employers– marking the largest number of employers supported in a single year.

With around nine in ten (86%) of the c2,600 employees successfully returning to or staying in work, the rehabilitation services and condition pathways offered timely and effective support to employees facing health challenges, enabling them to recover and reintegrate into the workplace.

Mental health remained the cornerstone of Aviva’s early intervention efforts, accounting for just under half (47%) of all referrals for rehabilitation support. Nearly all (96%) individuals receiving mental health support, such as counselling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychotherapy who returned to work, did so within the deferred period.

Over one in ten (13%) of all referrals for rehabilitation support related to cancer in 2024, an increase from the previous year (9%). The comprehensive assistance, including emotional support, fatigue management, dietary advice, and return-to-work guidance, helped over eight in ten (82%) cancer survivors successfully return to or remain in work. Aviva’s Cancer Pathway provided end-to-end support for employees from initial diagnosis through treatment and recovery, ensuring that employees felt supported throughout their cancer journey.

Musculoskeletal claims accounted for one in ten (10%) of all rehabilitation cases, with Aviva’s specialist support helping nearly all (97%) employees returning to work, do so within the deferred period.

Referrals for rehabilitation support for neurological conditions remained fairly consistent with those seen in 2023 (7% vs 5% in 2023). However, the number of people supported through the Neurodiversity Pathway increased, making up 6% of all referrals in 2024 compared to 3% of referrals in 2023. Support included specialist services such as workplace adjustments, coaching, and manager training, helping to create inclusive environments where neurodivergent employees could thrive.

Jason Ellis, Distribution Director, Aviva Group Protection said: "Vocational rehabilitation is a cornerstone of our Group Income Protection policies, providing essential support to employees facing health challenges. Our comprehensive rehabilitation services not only help individuals recover and reintegrate into the workplace but also ensure they feel supported throughout their journey.

"When offered alongside group income protection, vocational rehabilitation offers numerous benefits at both societal and personal levels. It empowers employees to overcome health challenges, enabling them either to remain at work while they recover or to return to work when they have recovered. It also helps employers foster a sense of purpose and financial stability for their employees and promotes a healthier workforce."

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_{Figures based on data provided by Aviva Group Protection Rehabilitation Department. Data from January 2024 to December 2024.} 

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