SJP Group protection
Your employees are the heart of your business. When health setbacks occur, the effects go far beyond individual wellbeing. They also impact business continuity, productivity and workforce stability.
Also known as employee benefits, Group Protection provides a simple, affordable, and tax-efficient way for employers to support their workforce through life’s most challenging moments. From financial security for loved ones to peace of mind during illness or loss of income, these benefits offer reassurance when it matters most.
The role of your adviser
A Group Protection adviser helps your business get the most from your employee benefits, guiding you through the selection, setup, and ongoing management of Group Life, Income Protection, Critical Illness, and Private Medical Insurance.
We provide a personalised, fully supported service, including:
- Access to leading insurer partners to secure the best solutions for your workforce
- A named consultant who delivers dedicated, personal service
- Fully managed renewals, policy reviews, and claims support to make administration simple
- Tailored advice for both employees and directors to meet diverse needs
- Communication strategies to ensure employees understand and value their benefits, including engaging launch materials, in-person or virtual briefings, and ongoing support
By partnering with an adviser, you can offer meaningful protection and wellbeing support while helping employees feel informed, supported, and confident. Our approach is designed to support and strengthen engagement, loyalty, and productivity, while reinforcing your commitment to your team’s financial security and wellbeing.
Group Life Insurance
Group Life Insurance, also called Death in Service cover, is one of the most meaningful benefits an employer can offer. It provides a tax-free lump sum to an employee’s chosen beneficiaries if they pass away while employed, helping ensure their loved ones are financially secure.
How it works:
- Employers take out a single policy covering all eligible staff, which is usually more cost-effective than individual life insurance.
- Cover is typically a multiple of salary, e.g., four times the annual income.
- Payments are made tax-free when the policy is held in a trust.
Example: An employee earning £30,000 a year with cover of four times salary could leave a £120,000 lump sum for their family - helping with mortgages, bills, and future planning.
Additional support: Many policies include services such as bereavement counselling or probate advice, providing extra reassurance for employees and their families.
Employer benefits: Cost-effective, tax-efficient, and strengthens attraction, retention, and trust in your workforce.
Eligibility for Group Life Insurance
Before setting up a policy, check that your business meets basic eligibility requirements:
- Minimum of three full-time employees (schemes for two employees may also be available)
- Staff must generally:
- Be within the policy’s minimum and maximum entry ages
- Hold a UK employment contract and be eligible to work in the UK
- Be active employees of your business
Employers can also apply their own rules, e.g., only including employees after their probationary period or above a certain pay grade. This ensures the scheme works for your business while remaining manageable and cost-effective.
Group Income Protection
Group Income Protection helps employees and your business if an employee is off work due to illness or injury.
- Provides a regular income, usually a percentage of salary, for medium or long-term absence.
- Often works alongside your existing sick pay, creating seamless support for employees.
- Includes services to prevent absence and support recovery, such as early intervention, rehabilitation programmes, mental health support, and return-to-work assistance.
Benefits: Reduces financial stress for employees, supports a faster recovery, and helps maintain productivity and resilience for your business.
Group Critical Illness
Group Critical Illness provides financial support if an employee is diagnosed with a serious condition, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke.
- Pays a tax-free lump sum following a qualifying diagnosis.
- Can cover household bills, mortgage payments, medical expenses, or home adaptations during recovery.
- Provides employees with financial security, helping them focus on recovery rather than money worries.
Employer benefits: Supports employees during difficult times without requiring the business to provide direct financial support, helping employees return to work sooner and maintain overall productivity.
Group Private Medical Insurance
Group Private Medical Insurance provides employees with fast access to private healthcare, helping them get the treatment they need quickly and with minimal disruption to their lives.
How it works:
- The employer sets up a single policy covering eligible employees.
- Employees can access consultations, diagnostics, treatments, and specialist care without long waiting times.
- Cover can include outpatient appointments, scans, hospital stays, mental health support, and physiotherapy, depending on the policy.
Benefits for employees:
- Quicker access to treatment than the NHS, reducing stress and anxiety
- Peace of mind knowing healthcare needs will be met promptly
- Choice and flexibility in selecting providers and treatments
- Additional wellbeing services, such as mental health support or lifestyle programmes
Benefits for employers:
- Reduces sickness absence by helping employees return to work sooner
- Supports employee wellbeing, showing that you value your workforce
- Enhances your reward package, making it easier to attract and retain talent
- Cost-effective group solution, often cheaper than arranging individual private plans
Offering Group PMI demonstrates a commitment to your employees’ health and wellbeing while helping your business stay productive and resilient.
Additional Benefits and Support Services
Many Group Life Protection policies include wellbeing services at no extra cost, helping employees stay healthy and supported beyond the financial cover. Examples include:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential advice for personal or work-related issues
- Digital GP services: online medical consultations
- Physiotherapy: recovery from injury or strain
- Second medical opinions: reassurance for serious health concerns
- Bereavement counselling: support during difficult times
- Nutrition and fitness programmes: guidance to stay healthy and active
Offering these services demonstrates that you care about employees’ wellbeing as well as their financial security, helping build trust, loyalty, and engagement across your workforce.
The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief is dependent on individual circumstances.