Advisers are optimistic about the future of the income protection (IP) market despite overwhelmingly expecting fewer IFAs to be practising in the sector and fewer products being available, new research says.

Aviva has increased its critical illness (CI) claims payment rate to 93% in the first six months of 2010.

Friends Provident has launched an absence tracking system to help employers tackle the £16.8bn cost of absence.

Bupa's individual protection offering is now available to members of the First Complete network.

Protection providers have forgotten consumers in making products too complicated, according to LV=.

LV= has revealed strong protection new business figures for the first half of the year.

Over half of UK adults are worried they won't be able to afford to look after their health into old age, according to a new report.

Canada Life is introducing telephone interviewing for all of its group insurance products.

Bright Grey has announced it paid 98% of life claims in the first six months of the year.

Matthew Wood of Genesis Wealth Management has been revealed as first prize winner of the PruProtect World Cup Fantasy football competition.