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    If you think you have swine flu

    If you are in England and think you may have swine flu, check your symptoms online by visiting the new National Pandemic Flu Service website, or by calling 0800 1 513 100 (0800 1 513 200 for Textphone).

    If you do have swine flu, you will be given a unique access number and told where your nearest antiviral collection point is.

    Your ‘flu friend’ – a friend or relative who does not have swine flu – can use this number to pick up your antivirals for you. Your flu friend must show their own ID as well as yours.

    Acceptable forms of ID include:

    • a utility bill
    • passport
    • a credit or debit card
    • driving licence
    • NHS card

    Contact your doctor

    You should contact your doctor direct rather than using the National Pandemic Flu Service if:

    • you have a serious underlying illness
    • you are pregnant
    • you have a sick child under one year old
    • your condition suddenly gets much worse
    • your condition is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child)

    Find a local GP

    National Pandemic Flu Service

    Scotland

    People in Scotland who are worried about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP or call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.

    NHS 24 information about swine flu Opens new window

    Scottish Government information about swine flu

    Wales

    In Wales, if symptoms are causing concern, or people are in an at risk group such as those with heart and lung disease, children under five or pregnant women, they should phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or phone their GP.

    Welsh Assembly Government information about swine flu Opens new window

    NHS Direct Wales information about swine flu

    Northern Ireland

    People in Northern Ireland who are worried about flu-like symptoms should stay at home and contact their GP or the Northern Ireland helpline  on 0800 0514 142 which operates daily from 8am – 8pm.

    nidirect information about swine flu

    Vaccine and medication

    Swine flu is being treated with anti-viral drugs. A swine flu vaccine is expected to be available by August.

    As swine flu is a new virus, a new vaccine had to be developed to deal with it.

    The first batch of the vaccine is expected to be available by August, with 60 million doses of the swine flu vaccine expected to be available by the end of the year.

    The government has ordered enough vaccine for the whole population, but to reduce the impact of swine flu those at greatest risk will be given priority.

    Anti-viral drugs

    Anti-viral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing – to be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. This means the illness may be shortened by a day and reduce the risk of complications.

    Read the section above, ‘if you have the flu’ before contacting your doctor about anti-viral drugs.

    Prevention

    To reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus you should:

    • cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue
    • throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
    • wash your hands regularly with soap and water
    • clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product

    Preparation

    A global pandemic has been declared. To prepare:

    • always carry tissues – catching the germs in a tissue could help limit the spread of the virus
    • know your NHS number (this will be in NHS letters or prescriptions)
    • keep up to date with the latest help and advice available through radio, TV and the internet – follow the links below for more advice on Directgov
    • confirm your ‘flu friends’ – these are friends and neighbours who can help you if you become ill; they could get your medication or food for you so that you don’t have to leave the house – this will help stop the virus from spreading
    • have a two-week stock of food and other supplies in case you and your family are ill

    Face masks

    Although face masks have been given out in Mexico, there is no actual evidence that proves wearing a face mask will stop you getting the virus. It’s more effective to use tissues when sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly.

    Latest news

    Follow the link below for the latest news on swine flu.

    Swine flu – everything you need to know

    Advice for businesses

    Follow the link below for information on how to prepare your business for swine flu.

    Swine flu – advice from Business Link

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    XL Capital Ltd announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on July 24, 2009 of $0.10 per Ordinary Share payable on the Company’s Ordinary Shares. The dividend will be payable on September 30, 2009 to Ordinary Shareholders of record as of September 15, 2009.

    In addition, the Board of Directors resolved on July 24, 2009, to pay a dividend of $32.50 per share on the Company’s Series E Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preference Shares. The dividend will be paid on October 15, 2009 to all shareholders of record as of October 14, 2009. The aggregate amount of the dividends payable on the Series E Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preference Shares is $32,500,000.

    XL Capital Ltd, through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of global insurance and reinsurance coverages to industrial, commercial and professional service firms, insurance companies and other enterprises on a worldwide basis.

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    Lloyd’s new office in Ireland, opened today by Lord Levene, Lloyd’s Chairman, illustrates the market’s confidence in the Irish economy, despite the effects of the downturn.

    “The opening of our first permanent office in Dublin marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for Lloyd’s in Ireland,” commented Lord Levene. “Despite the undoubted pressures on the Irish economy, and not forgetting the wider global economy, we are very optimistic about the future for Lloyd’s in Ireland, and indeed for the financial services sector here.”

    The establishment of a dedicated Irish office follows off the back of the appointment of Eamonn Egan,  the first Lloyd’s general manager in the country, last November.

    At the opening, Lord Levene reiterated the reasons businesses are increasingly renewing their interest in Lloyd’s market—stability, capital base, and syndicated structure—coupling it with an optimistic outlook for insurance in the Irish market in the medium to long term.

    “Far from merely surviving, our industry is in fact living in an age of opportunity. But success will only come if we use our resources of intelligence, expertise and entrepreneurship to anticipate future trends and to seize these opportunities,” he said.

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    Willis Group Holdings, the global insurance broker, has been appointed as the broker for the largest rail construction project ever undertaken in Hong Kong by client MTR Corporation Limited, the operator of Hong Kong’s rapid transit railway system.

    The Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link will provide high-speed rail services from Hong Kong to Shenzhen in Mainland China, and a connection to Guangzhou and the national high-speed passenger rail network, serving major cities throughout the People’s Republic of China.

    The project includes the construction of a large terminus station in West Kowloon and 26 kilometres of twin track tunnels. Trains on the Hong Kong section are intended to operate at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour. The project is scheduled for completion by 2016.

    Willis is already the broker for MTR’s operational programme and was appointed broker for the US$1.3bn West Island Line (WIL) extension project in 2008. This most recent appointment was won through close cooperation between Willis Hong Kong and Willis’ London Construction team.

    Willis will be placing a Construction All Risk / Third Party Liability policy, utilising both global and local market capacity. A wrap-up owner-controlled Employees Compensation policy will also be procured and will be placed in the Hong Kong market. Willis will provide extensive risk management support, claims handling and on-going servicing throughout the life of the project.

    Commenting on the new appointment, Roger Wilkinson, CEO, Willis Asia, said, “The Express Rail Link project is of great strategic importance for Hong Kong and we are proud to be able to support MTR with innovative insurance and risk management solutions to facilitate their expansion. This latest win is a clear demonstration of the value of bringing the global resource of Willis’ world-class construction expertise to bear on local projects.”

    About Willis Group Holdings :

    Willis Group Holdings Limited is a global insurance broker, developing and delivering professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the world. Willis has more than 400 offices in nearly 120 countries, with a global team of approximately 20,000 Associates serving clients in some 190 countries.

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    Aviva’s health division today announced the introduction of Child Health Solutions, a new private health insurance product, designed specifically for children. Initially available to purchase exclusively via specialist insurance broker Sure Insurance Services’ Childsure division, Child Health Solutions offers some of the most comprehensive benefits in the market for one of the lowest prices available.

    In addition to comprehensive in-patient, day-patient and out-patient cover, Child Health Solutions also includes benefits such as dentistry, physiotherapy and speech therapy that have been specially chosen to complement the paediatric services available on the NHS. Child Health Solutions also offers a Support Cash Benefit designed to provide parents with monetary help towards sundries such as travel expenses and parking costs if their child has to stay in hospital.

    Available to purchase online via a simple quote and apply facility, Child Health Solutions is supported by an information portal giving parents access to invaluable information on children’s health and developmental needs, parenting and education. In addition, the portal also details the hospitals available and provides useful information designed to help customers make the most of their Child Health Solutions policy.

    Alison Thornberry managing director at Sure Insurance Services, said: “We are delighted to be working with Aviva’s health division to offer Child Health Solutions. We spent many years researching the market to understand what parents look for from a child health insurance product and identified that there was a gap in child insurance provision for parents who want choice, speed and a private environment for their childrens’ treatment.  A cheaper version of an adult PMI product generally doesn’t satisfy their needs and this was a key consideration when developing the product. With benefits such as speech therapy and dental cover, we believe that Child Health Solutions is the most child-focused healthcare product in the market.”

    Rebecca Freebody, head of propositions management & market development at Aviva’s health division, adds: “Unlike many of the other child healthcare products, Child Health Solutions includes benefits tailored specifically for children. We are committed to offering products which work in conjunction with existing NHS provision and whilst the NHS is particularly good at providing paediatric care, particularly for the very young, we recognise that there are certain specialties – such as speech therapy, physiotherapy and dental care, which can be complemented by the private sector. We’ve developed Child Health Solutions with this in mind.”

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    SCOR Global Life US, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the SCOR Group, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire XL Re Life America Inc. (XLRLA), a subsidiary of XL Capital Ltd. The total consideration of the transaction amounts to EUR 31.7 million and will be settled in cash and is entirely self-financed.

    The transaction is expected to close on 30 September 2009 and is subject to regulatory approval and the normal closing conditions.

    In 2008, XLRLA generated EUR 22.1 million in premium income stemming from traditional mortality business that includes yearly renewable terms as well as coinsurance. The acquisition will help SGL U.S. to further develop its U.S. Life reinsurance market position.

    SCOR Chairman and CEO Denis Kessler comments: “This small acquisition is one of the so-called gardening deals as described during SCOR’s Investors’ Day in July. It proves that SCOR is able to profit from market opportunities in the current environment. The business acquired shows a strong compatibility with SCOR’s Life strategy that is rooted in focusing on traditional protection business that is not correlated with economic risks.”

    Gilles Meyer, CEO of SCOR Global Life, comments: “This acquisition will help SCOR Global Life to strengthen its services in the mortality-protection field and reinforce our position in the United States. The acquisition demonstrates the inroads SCOR is making in the most important Life market in the world.”

    Both SCOR Global Life and XLRLA have strong reputations in the U.S. for building long- term mutually profitable relationships with their clients. SCOR Global Life intends to offer employment to the XLRLA team upon consummation of the transaction. This will ensure that it will have the resources to maintain its excellent services with regard both existing clients and those new clients acquired through the XLRLA transaction.

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      Aon Corporation, has teamed up with Manchester United in a sponsorship deal that Aon hopes will raise its profile in developing markets.

      Aon announced the four-year deal in early June. The Chicago-based broker’s logo will adorn the famous red shirts of the Old Trafford club from the 2010/2011 season, taking over from its current sponsor, the US insurer AIG.

      Manchester United has been Britain’s most successful club in the past decade, winning the Premier League title seven times, the Champions League twice and the Club World Cup once.

      It was denied a triple trophy-winning season in 2009 when it was defeated by Barcelona in the Champions League final in Rome in May.

      It is also the best-supported club in the world, with a fan base numbering tens of millions of people.

      Aon’s walking billboards

      The deal would give Aon millions of ‘walking billboards’ Aon CEO Greg Case said in a conference call with journalists.

      “Our leadership team saw the opportunity to take the next step in the development of our firm by aligning our brand with what we consider to be one of the most powerful brands in the world: Manchester United,” says David Prosperi, Vice President of Global Public Relations at Aon.

      “It will give us exposure in markets where we have high potential for revenue growth and market share growth, such as Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The Manchester United brand has very strong awareness in those markets,” says Prosperi.

      Manchester United’s tie-up with the children’s charity UNICEF was also appealing to Aon when weighing up the merits of the deal, it said.

      Lucrative sponsorship

      The terms of the deal were not disclosed but British newspapers have reported the agreement is worth £80m, calling it the most lucrative sponsorship deal in world football.

      The deal will bring Aon enormous benefits, says an international marketing expert.

      “Through this deal, Aon is taking a short cut in the process to becoming a globally recognised brand name.” says Andy Milligan, author of ‘Brand it Like Beckham’ and a director of consultancy firm the Caffeine Partnership.

      “Manchester United is probably the largest soccer brand in the world. Its fan base is enormous; it also plays in the two most-watched competitions in the world: the English Premier League and the European Champions League. Over a billion people will be watching the likes of Wayne Rooney wearing Aon’s logo.”

      Milligan adds: “Aon is associating itself with a set of values that consumers find very attractive at a time when the public does not generally view financial services firms in a positive light. It also offers Aon corporate hospitality opportunities that have significant benefits for it.”

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      Aon Consulting Worldwide, the global human capital consulting organization of Aon Corporation, announced today that the following employees were promoted to assistant vice president in their respective practice groups across the country.

      Health & Benefits

      • Jason Coel, Austin
      • Bradford Gravagna, Clayton, Mo.
      • Kara Dusterhoft, Columbus
      • Julie Drummond, Denver
      • Charys Youngsma, Denver
      • Regina Deadrick, Houston
      • Alexandros Tiligadas, Miami
      • Ari Kandel, New York
      • Catherine McHugh, Parsippany, N.J.
      • Nick Sarnelli, Parsippany, N.J.
      • Mechelle Medcalf-Nelson, San Francisco

      Retirement

      • Scott Mobley, Atlanta
      • James Roberts, Baltimore/D.C.
      • Tricia Schwabenbauer, Baltimore/D.C.
      • Carol Stauffer, Baltimore/D.C.
      • Cameo Tsai, Los Angeles
      • Greg Reardon, New York
      • Alfred Johnson, Radnor, Pa.
      • Juliette DeCarteret, Seattle
      • Erika Stiff, Winston-Salem, N.C.

      Human Capital

      • Tamra Dolinsky, Owings Mills, Md.
      • Nancy Maline, Tampa

      Employee Benefits Outsourcing

      • Nathan Kamstra, New York
      • Christopher Picchi, Rolling Meadows, Ill.
      • Beth Donaldson, Winston-Salem, N.C.

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      Britain’s over 50s are struggling more than ever to keep up the level of savings needed to fund a comfortable retirement lifestyle, according to the annual State of Retirement report [1] commissioned by investment, pensions and insurance group LV=.

      ERICs (Experiencing Retirement Income Concerns) worried and not saving

      Research among 1,500 over 50 year olds found that seven in ten (69%) of those yet to retire are even more worried about their retirement prospects than a year ago. But despite an increased number since last year of ERICs – people who are Experiencing Retirement Income Concerns– just 7% of over 50s have felt able to increase their level of long-term savings. And the financial pressure of recession has forced one in five (20%) to reduce the amount they are setting aside for retirement by an average of £137 a month.

      The economic climate has already had a significant impact on older workers’ retirement plans. Around two million people [2] (22%) claim they have had to put back their retirement date due to the recession, while a quarter (25%) say they have no clear idea when they will be able to give up work.

      Food and utility costs

      Everyday costs such as food and utility bills are the biggest specific concern among ERICs, with seven out of ten (70%) worried by these costs. In addition, 61% say they are disturbed by how little their savings may grow due to low interest rates, while more than half (51%) are anxious about the reduced income their retirement savings will buy them. Over 5m ERICs (56%) say the recession itself is a major cause of their income concerns.

      The report also finds that over 50s have more than just their own finances to worry about.  Four in ten (41%) say they give financial support to other family members, and 31% of this group say this is a recent development, resulting from the credit crunch.

      Mike Rogers, LV= Group Chief Executive, said:

      “Already one in ten of the UK’s over 65s are not fully retired, and this figure could rise rapidly unless those nearing retirement take steps to increase their savings. In the midst of recession, it is understandable that people are focusing more on their everyday costs and on supporting their families. But it is still worrying that one in five has felt forced to reduce their savings towards retirement at this important time.”

      Budget blues

      Nearly half of the over 50s (9.6 million people) believe they will be financially worse off as a result of the April 2009 Budget changes, despite the Government’s pledges to protect pensioners. A further 15% admit they do not know how the Budget will affect them, with only 4% believing it will make them better off.

      Of the over 50s, 6.6 million complain it is difficult to keep up with changes in financial legislation (72%), with this confusion being greatest among those closest to retirement.
      Looking to the future

      The LV= report reveals that less than a third of over 50s (30%) have a clear idea of the value of their pension pot, and only one in four (27%) claim to know how much their retirement savings are worth. A quarter of over 50s (25%, 2.3m people) expect to rely solely on the basic state pension in retirement [2], and this rises to one in three women (32%).

      When asked to comment on their likely retirement lifestyle and expenditure, almost half (48%) said their overall expenditure would fall, while only one in five expect to spend more in retirement than they do now (22%).

      Doing without advice

      Despite such widespread concerns about their financial security in retirement, just one in five over 50s (21%) have consulted an independent financial adviser (IFA) for retirement planning advice. This rises to 27% of those within five years of the statutory retirement age.

      More than half have taken no financial advice whatsoever (61%), with a similar number saying they trust their own judgement to make the most of their financial situation.
      Top topics of retirement planning advice sought

      topic of advice

      Mike Rogers concluded:

      “With a large majority of older workers more concerned than ever about when they will be able to retire and how much money they’ll have, it is vital they review their options. There are now many more investment and income generating options than there used to be for people approaching retirement, but too few are taking advice. As a result millions may miss the opportunity to secure a comfortable retirement.”

      • The rise of ERICs: Seven in ten over 50s (69%) are Experiencing Retirement Income Concerns.
      • Despite long-term saving shortfalls, one in five (20%) have had to decrease their monthly savings level by an average £137 over the last year.

      Notes

      1. All figures taken from omnibus research carried out by Opinium Research as part of the State of Retirement Report. An online poll of 1,551 British adults, all aged over 50, was carried out from 30th April to 5th May 2009.
      2. The over 50s population in the UK is 21,290,000 (Source: Population projections by ONS, 2008). All grossed up figures are based on this source.

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        The ABI (Association of British Insurers) has issued the following information for travel insurance customers about the cover that most policies offer if people are affected by swine flu:

        • Swine flu is treated no differently from any other illness by travel insurers.
        • Travel insurance will typically cover the cost of medical treatment abroad if people contract swine flu while on holiday. It will also cover the cost of rearranged flights and accommodation for anyone covered by the policy.
        • People diagnosed with swine flu before they are due to travel abroad, and any immediate family members (spouse, parents and children, with some policies covering other relatives) due to travel with them, will be covered for the cost of holiday cancellation. Under normal circumstances a doctor’s certificate is required to confirm that the customer was not fit to travel, but given the current circumstances we would expect insurers to be flexible on the time it takes to obtain such a certificate.
        • Airlines have standard procedures for dealing with passengers who they believe are medically unfit to travel for any reason, and have medical teams available to make assessments. Travel insurance policies should cover the costs of rearranged flights and cancelled accommodation in these circumstances, if the airlines do not have ‘failure of service’ provisions. Customers will need written confirmation from the airline’s medical advisers that they are unfit to travel in order to validate a claim.
        • The costs of accommodation and rearranged flights for people who are ill and placed in quarantine abroad and have to stay beyond their planned departure date will be covered by travel insurance policies. Those who are quarantined as a precautionary measure may be covered – insurers will consider claims on an individual basis. Customers will need written confirmation of the quarantine to validate their claim.
        • Travel insurers are studying details of the Government hotline and website to diagnose people who think they may have swine flu, and assessing what evidence will be made available to support a claim that a customer is unfit to travel.

        Nick Starling, the ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Health, said:

        “While the outbreak of swine flu is causing concern, people should not overreact or panic and travel insurance is there to help. Travel insurance will usually cover the cost if a holiday is cancelled because someone is too ill to travel. It will also cover the cost of medical treatment abroad and any associated delays caused by getting an illness on holiday.”

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          Employers could face higher costs for life, critical illness and income insurance cover, according to research from Aon Consulting, the employee risk and benefits firm. While costs for these benefits may have become cheaper for businesses in 2008 compared to 2007, Aon’s new survey, which tracks UK insurers and reinsurers’ premium predictions for the group risk market, finds some underwriters are predicting rate increases this year.

          Aon’s survey covered a combined group risk market worth £1.6 billion of premium. Aon found that:

          • 57% of insurers and reinsurers believe the cost of death in service pensions will increase and only 43% believe the cost will remain unchanged or decrease.
          • For income protection, only 10% of insurers believe prices will remain static whilst the remainder are equally split as to whether prices will rise or fall
          • A majority of insurers, 58%, predict Group Critical Illness prices will remain unchanged, in comparison to 29% that believe they will rise and only 13% that say they will fall.
          • 50% of insurers predict premiums for lump sum life cover will decrease, while 12% believe it will increase.

          As investment income has decreased, there is pressure to increase premium income but increased market competition will continue to work in the other direction ensuring that rates are kept as competitive as possible.

          Insurers underwriting group risk insurance policies in 2008 reduced their premium rates significantly, in some cases by over 20%, or kept them static. Aon finds that 2009 will be more of a mixed bag for employers and trustees wishing to purchase group life assurance, death in service pensions, income protection and critical illness for their employees.

          In particular, policies where the claim is paid out over a long term period are more likely to experience rate increases compared to products with a lump-sum payout because of the impact of falling investment returns and increasing life expectancy on the reserving basis on which such schemes operate in the UK.

          Almost every insurer believed that the overall market size (measured by numbers of schemes and premium income), would reduce in 2009. The only exception is critical illness where premiums are expected to remain stable, or even grow. While rates are predicted to rise, there will certainly be increased competition among insurers for premium income because:

          • There is a belief that employers and trustees will be cutting back on the benefits on offer to their staff in order to save money
          • The number of firms stopping trading all together is expected to increase, further decreasing the number of policies written
          • The number of insurers in this market is expected to decrease, according to the survey. All underwriters surveyed believe that by year end a number of current providers will no longer be in the market, with most expecting at least two current players to have withdrawn
          • However, there continues to be evidence of new insurers wanting to become active in the market who will wish to compete aggressively on price to gain market share.

          Paul White, head of risk benefits consulting at Aon Consulting, commented: “Underwriters are telling us that they are going to be fighting harder than ever for every pound of premium because they expect the market to become more and more competitive.

          Although the underlying factors will mean insurance premium rates are tipped to rise, in the short term, market competition may mask these factors. In addition, there are still savings to be made – particularly if companies can evidence a culture of seeking to manage risks and take action to control claim costs, from wellness strategies to active absence management programmes.”

          Employers could face higher costs for life, critical illness and income insurance cover, according to research from Aon Consulting, the leading employee risk and benefits firm. While costs for these benefits may have become cheaper for businesses in 2008 compared to 2007, Aon’s new survey, which tracks UK insurers and reinsurers’ premium predictions for the group risk market, finds some underwriters are predicting rate increases this year.

          Aon’s survey covered a combined group risk market worth £1.6 billion of premium. Aon found that:
          – 57% of insurers and reinsurers believe the cost of death in service pensions will increase and only 43% believe the cost will remain unchanged or decrease.
          – For income protection, only 10% of insurers believe prices will remain static whilst the remainder are equally split as to whether prices will rise or fall
          – A majority of insurers, 58%, predict Group Critical Illness prices will remain unchanged, in comparison to 29% that believe they will rise and only 13% that say they will fall.
          – 50% of insurers predict premiums for lump sum life cover will decrease, while 12% believe it will increase.

          As investment income has decreased, there is pressure to increase premium income but increased market competition will continue to work in the other direction ensuring that rates are kept as competitive as possible.

          Insurers underwriting group risk insurance policies in 2008 reduced their premium rates significantly, in some cases by over 20%, or kept them static. Aon finds that 2009 will be more of a mixed bag for employers and trustees wishing to purchase group life assurance, death in service pensions, income protection and critical illness for their employees.

          In particular, policies where the claim is paid out over a long term period are more likely to experience rate increases compared to products with a lump-sum payout because of the impact of falling investment returns and increasing life expectancy on the reserving basis on which such schemes operate in the UK.

          Almost every insurer believed that the overall market size (measured by numbers of schemes and premium income), would reduce in 2009. The only exception is critical illness where premiums are expected to remain stable, or even grow. While rates are predicted to rise, there will certainly be increased competition among insurers for premium income because:
          – There is a belief that employers and trustees will be cutting back on the benefits on offer to their staff in order to save money.
          – The number of firms stopping trading all together is expected to increase, further decreasing the number of policies written.
          – The number of insurers in this market is expected to decrease, according to the survey. All underwriters surveyed believe that by year end a number of current providers will no longer be in the market, with most expecting at least two current players to have withdrawn.
          – However, there continues to be evidence of new insurers wanting to become active in the market who will wish to compete aggressively on price to gain market share.

          Paul White, head of risk benefits consulting at Aon Consulting, commented: “Underwriters are telling us that they are going to be fighting harder than ever for every pound of premium because they expect the market to become more and more competitive.

          Although the underlying factors will mean insurance premium rates are tipped to rise, in the short term, market competition may mask these factors. In addition, there are still savings to be made – particularly if companies can evidence a culture of seeking to manage risks and take action to control claim costs, from wellness strategies to active absence management programmes.”

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          Aon Corporation announced that the Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share on outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on August 17, 2009 to shareholders of record on August 3, 2009

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            American International Group, Inc. (AIG) today announced it will accelerate steps to position American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) as an independent entity and seek an initial public offering and public listing in New York, depending on market conditions and subject to regulatory approval. This planned public offering of ALICO is a significant step in the process that was announced by AIG on March 2 and will result in a board of directors and management team for ALICO separate from AIG.

            “We continue to consider all strategic options through a robust, structured and disciplined process. At this stage, we expect that a public offering for ALICO will be beneficial to all stakeholders, including U.S. taxpayers, policyholders, employees and distribution partners,” said Edward Liddy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AIG.

            Rodney O. Martin, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ALICO said, “Today’s announcement represents a roadmap for our independence. “Our ability to weather current economic conditions across all of our markets demonstrates the strength of our operations, diversification of our platform, confidence of our customers and support of our distribution partners.” ALICO is a leading global insurer operating in 54 countries with 19 million customers, over 40,000 agents and distribution partners and assets under management of more than $89 billion.

            Alico is a leading international life insurer with a unique heritage of serving customers across the globe for over 85 years. The company provides consumers and businesses with products and services for life insurance, accident and health insurance, retirement planning, and wealth management solutions. Through an extensive network of over 40,000 agents, brokers and financial institutions and 11,000 employees across 54 countries, Alico services 19 million customers worldwide.

            Alico has branch offices, subsidiaries and affiliates in emerging, developing and developed markets in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Alico is domiciled in Wilmington, Delaware and has regional headquarters in Tokyo, London, Paris, Athens, Dubai, and Santiago, Chile.

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            Over 1,000 AXA employees based in Bristol have completed 150 tasks set by local charities, schools and community groups, helping to save over £100,000 pounds in labour and equipment costs.

            The projects, which are part of AXA’s Hearts in Action Community Challenge Initiative 2009, included support for St Stephen’s Infant School, Aspects and Milestones Trust and the Avonside District Headquarters Guide Hut.

            Pupils at St Stephen’s Infant School were asked to come up with themes to re-vamp their playground and took part in a competition to design a mural using dragons, princesses and castles.

            The team of AXA employees taking on the challenge of improving the outside space at St Stephen’s Infant School were asked to choose a winner. Out of the 262 entries Lily Mason’s design was chosen.

            Vicki O’Shea, the teacher responsible for organising the competition said: “The mural looks fantastic – really bright and colourful. It was great that all the children were involved in choosing the theme and creating the design”.

            AXA Capita staff spent a day at one of Aspects and Milestones Trust’s residential homes in Downend for people with learning disabilities, older people and people with mental health needs including dementia.

            Volunteers cleared overgrown flower beds, potted hanging baskets, planted herbs and hung wind chimes to create a sensory garden.

            Claire Maine, Home Manager for the Aspects and Milestones Trust said: ‘The team from AXA worked really hard to transform our overgrown garden into a beautiful space. They were a lovely team and fully included the residents – a great day was had by all.’

            The Avonside District Headquarters Guide Hut in Shirehampton also benefited from AXA’s Community Challenge initiative by having a new lick of paint and a general tidy up.

            Mark Edwards, an AXA employee and team leader for the challenge said: ‘This was the first ever AXA Community Challenge I have organised and I felt really proud about what we achieved by the end of the day, it was quite a transformation. The team worked hard and have all commented on a sense of satisfaction in completing the task.’

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              With the summer holidays upon us, employers often forget to ensure a safe working environment for young people.

              During 2008, there were a number of large loss claims involving workers under the age of 18, due to a mixture of causes including powered machinery and equipment.

              Phil Grace, liability risk manager, Aviva’s UK Insurance business, said: “The lack of experience and maturity of young people, as well as a reduced perception of risk, can be extremely dangerous in a working environment, particularly where machinery is involved.

              “Assessments to determine the risks associated with any young worker are required by law under the Health and Safety (Young Persons) Regulations 1997.  Following that, the employee must be trained on the necessary control measures, and employers have a duty to ensure their parents or guardians are also aware of any risks involved.” says Grace.

              “Where an assessment identifies harmful exposure to toxic substances, radiation, extreme cold or heat, vibration, noise or work which is beyond their physical capacity, it is prohibited to employ a young person to carry out the work.

              “This is also the case in specific trades or where the use of certain plant or machinery is required.”

              Grace continues: “We urge all employers to seek guidance before employing a young person, which can be found on the HSE website, and to also consider doing so for those aged 18-21 years. These workers will also need additional support and training and risk assessments should be carried out.

              “Possible safety measures could include providing extra supervision, more detailed instructions for particular tasks or additional training.

              “In one case, a 17-year old trainee plasterer, who had been working for three days, suffered flesh burns from the caustic in the wet plaster, which resulted in nerve damage.

              Some plaster also got in his eye and the worker ended up with reduced visibility.

              “Also in 2008, an 18-year old worker was operating a mini-digger.  He tried to lower the roll bar, which is there to protect the driver by preventing the digger from rolling over, and it crushed his fingers.”

              Grace concludes: “Both of these accidents could have been avoided with the right training for the employee and by having the right safety equipment.  Good risk management will not only keep young people safe but help to protect all employees and the business itself.”

              A risk assessment training course is currently available from Aviva Risk Management Solutions (ARMS), the new name for Norwich Union Risk Services. (www.aviva.co.uk/risksolutions)

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              The ABI has launched a three-month consultation on changes to its Statement of Best Practice for Critical Illness Cover. The main change proposed is to replace the Total Permanent Disability (TPD) clause included in critical illness insurance policies with a set of carefully worded definitions to ensure clarity for consumers about precisely what conditions are, and are not covered.

              The majority of critical illness insurance claims are paid promptly as they are based on a straightforward diagnosis, but that is not always the case with TPD.  Although TPD accounts for just 3% of claims, 55% of these are declined because the definition has not been met.  We believe the current position is not sustainable, and these proposals address this.

              Nick Kirwan, the ABI’s Assistant Director, Health and Protection, said:

              “We have seen the number of declined claims fall significantly as a result of our ongoing determination to tackle this issue. This consultation builds on our work and should see the number of declined claims fall further.

              “We’ve been in long and detailed discussions with medical experts about the causes of most Total Permanent Disability claims.  As a result, we are confident that the new set of definitions provide clarity and a better understanding about what makes a valid claim.

              “We are hoping to spark interest and get a good cross-section of consultation responses. It is vital that consumers, insurers and other interested parties make their voices heard.”

              Bernie Hickman, Managing Director of Protection at Legal & General and chairman of the ABI’s Protection Development Committee, which is responsible for regularly reviewing the Statement of Best Practice for Critical Illness Cover, said:

              “The insurance industry is taking a proactive approach to address areas of potential consumer detriment and enhance the reputation of our products.

              “Research and day-to-day claims handling experience has demonstrated that too often, customers don’t understand what ‘total’ or ‘permanent’ means in the context of disability. This means that they claim for Total Permanent Disability but end up disappointed when they are declined or payment is deferred.  The industry exists to pay claims when they are needed most so we want to do all we can to ensure that customers understand what are they covered for.

              “Consumer research also highlights confusion between income protection and critical illness insurance. The proposed changes will make the distinction clearer, and everyone in the industry should agree is a good thing. I hope this means customers will have a better understanding of critical illness insurance and leads to even fewer declined claims.”

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              Insurance companies and other UK financial institutions may be required to provide consumers with details of customer complaints.

              Under new proposals from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) consumers could be given access to data on the number of complaints received by firms, the main products and services generating the complaints, and outcomes.

              Firms receiving the largest number of complaints would be required to publish information on the number of complaints they have opened and closed; the percentage closed within eight weeks; and the percentage of complaints upheld.

              Information will be broken down into five product areas: banking, home finance, general insurance and pure protection, life and pensions, and investments.

              To allow comparison between standards, firms will be expected to provide contextual information, such as the number of complaints per 1,000 customer accounts.

              The proposed new measures require bulletins to be prepared every six months, to be followed up by the the publication of results from the whole sector by the FSA.

              The regulator’s director of retail policy and conduct risk, Dan Waters, says: “Transparency is an important regulatory tool. Publishing complaints data will mean that people can learn more about how firms handle complaints and the frequency with which they arise.”

              He adds: “We also consider that publishing this information will incentivise firms to deal more effectively with complaints and help to raise industry standards in this important area.”
              A consultation period on the proposals ends on 30th October.

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              AIG announced that it has agreed to sell 100 percent of its ownership interests in Inversora Pichincha S.A. and Interdinco S.A., which comprise AIG’s consumer finance operations in Colombia, to Banco Pichincha C.A. of Ecuador and other parties.

              Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including approval by the Ecuador Superintendency of Finance (Superintendencia de Bancos y Seguros de la República del Ecuador) and the Colombia Superintendency of Finance (Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia).

              Inversora Pichincha S.A. is a leading provider of consumer finance products in Colombia, offering vehicle financing, personal loans, student loans, insurance premium financing, commercial loans, credit cards and retail deposits. Inversora Pichincha S.A. has approximately 140,000 customers, 19 branches located in the main urban centers of Colombia, and a distribution model that includes agreements with more than 100 auto dealerships, 274 state entities and 1,500 companies.

              UBS Investment Bank acted as financial advisor and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel served as legal counsel to AIG on this transaction.

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              Catlin Group Limited, announces that Catlin UK has acquired the renewal rights to the professional indemnity and directors’ & officers’ liability books of business underwritten by Bennett Underwriting Agencies Ltd (‘BUA’).

              BUA, based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, was established in 1998 as a specialist underwriting agency specialising in insurance coverage for professionals.  BUA has underwritten business as a coverholder on behalf of Catlin UK (Catlin Insurance Company (UK) Ltd.) for the past several years.

              Richard Bennett, BUA’s managing director and founder, will join Catlin as regional professional indemnity manager.  The BUA office in Hitchin will become a Catlin UK regional office.

              Richard Clapham, underwriting director for Catlin UK, said:

              “I am very pleased that Catlin UK has acquired renewal rights from Bennett Underwriting Agencies.  I look forward to working more closely with Richard Bennett and his team to strengthen Catlin’s position in the UK regional professional indemnity market.”

              Catlin UK underwrites numerous classes of non-life insurance for UK businesses and professionals and operates from offices in London, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham, Ipswich, Tonbridge and now Hitchin.  Catlin UK has a financial strength rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company.

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