"Many people still view IP as a safeguard against extreme scenarios such as critical illness or disability - overlooking the everyday risks that could prevent them from working."
- Graham Singleton, CEO of National Friendly
Of those surveyed (2,000), 29% had experienced an accident in the last three years - frequency was higher (37%) amongst respondents aged 35 or younger. Worryingly, 33% described it as ‘serious’, with the most common type of accident being a fall at home (34%).
READ MORE: National Friendly highlight age-related risk discrepancies for everyday accidents
Over half (57%) of employees had to take unplanned leave from the workplace, climbing to 71% amongst those aged 35 or younger. 15% reported a decline in their mental health, whilst 12% said relationships with family and friends suffered because of the financial stress put upon them as a result of an accident.
Of those who had experienced an accident in the last three years, one in ten (11%) said their mental health had been impacted, with 5% suffering from nightmares - rising to 7% amongst those aged 35 or younger.
“It’s important that everyday accidents are factored into discussions on financial resilience. By reframing the Income Protection (IP) conversation to include mental health and family wellbeing, advisers can help customers recognise the full scope of risks they face.
“With nearly three in five (57%) of employees who suffered an accident having to take unplanned leave, the case for IP is clearer than ever. Yet, many people still view IP as a safeguard against extreme scenarios such as critical illness or disability - overlooking the everyday risks that could prevent them from working,” said Graham Singleton, CEO of National Friendly.
