Europe, HR, United Kingdom

Policies that encourage returns to work should have been in the Spring Statement

11 March 2026

Image credit: GRiD

Editorial Brief

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Katharine Moxham from GRiD criticized the UK government's Spring Statement for not including policies to encourage people back to work, especially those inactive due to ill-health. She highlighted the financial strain caused by economic inactivity and the missed opportunity to promote workforce health. Moxham also noted that not addressing double taxation on group income protection plans could hinder support for employees on long-term sick leave.

Press Release

LONDON, LDN - March 11, 2026

Following the Spring Statement, Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, the industry body for the UK group risk protection sector comments:

“Although we were expecting a quiet fiscal event today, policies that encourage people back into the workplace should have been on the agenda. There’s no doubt that the sheer volume of those who are economically inactive due to ill-health continues to heap financial burden on the UK, and today’s budget failed to address that. What a missed opportunity for Government to address economic inactivity, promote better workforce health and wellbeing and support the ambitions of its own Keep Britain Working Review.

“Additionally, the continued failure to address the current double taxation on group income protection plans provided via salary sacrifice could result in fewer employees on long-term sick leave getting the support they need to get back to work and prosper.”

Notes to editors

About GRiD Group Risk Development (GRiD) is the industry body for the group risk sector, promoting the value to UK businesses of providing financial protection for their staff, enhancing their well-being and improving employee engagement. Our membership includes insurers, reinsurers, intermediaries and those operating in (or with other interests in) the UK group risk market. Together this forms a collective wealth of experience built over many years. Under the chairmanship of Colin Fitzgerald (Distribution Director – Group Protection, L&G Retail) GRiD aims to promote group risk through a collective voice to Government, policymakers, stakeholders and employers. GRiD works with government departments and regulators involved in legislation and regulation affecting group risk benefits, and with other organisations involved in the benefits and financial protection arenas. GRiD also seeks to enhance the industry’s standing by encouraging best practice and by participating in industry-wide initiatives such as the professional qualification in group risk managed jointly with the Chartered Insurance Institute. GRiD’s media activity aims to generate a wider awareness and understanding of group risk products and their benefits for employers and employees.

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