The Government's proposals to overhaul the incapacity benefit will be tested for their practicality when the policies come into force, FirstAssist said today.

FirstAssist chief executive Tim Ablett said large employers and their insurers need to show cooperation for instigating effective rehabilitation programmes designed to get people back to work quickly and efficiently.

This, said Ablett, would “lead to increased productivity and significant reduction in the drain on UK businesses.”

Ablett warned employers to “begin measuring employee risk in the same way they would other business risks, and manage it accordingly.”

Long-term sickness and incapacity benefits are not a substitute for proper rehabilitation, he said.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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