63% of small, family-run businesses would not
survive the loss of a key member of staff due to ill health or death, according
to new research by Scottish Widows.
The findings show that more needs to be done to
educate small businesses about the risk of losing key employees.
The Scottish Widows Business Protection Report
shows that the majority of businesses are still reluctant to protect themselves
from the unexpected loss of a business owner or key member of staff.
By their nature smaller businesses are more
exposed to certain risks and in particular the loss of a key player. Despite
this, 60% say they do not think they need insurance. And the research also
shows that only 6% of businesses have financial protection to cover the death
of key person while only 4% have protection for a key person suffering a
critical illness.
Iain McGowan at Scottish Widows comments,
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy making up 99% of the
private sector. Entrepreneurs must be prepared for the financial impact that a
critical illness or death of a key employee could have on their business.
Businesses need to consider the key risks they face to all aspects of their
operation. This includes planning for the very real risks their business could
face from death, critical illness, or long- term incapacity of a key employee
or business owner."
Life insurance news: 20 November 2011
