Protection

Almost two-thirds (63%) of small, family-run businesses would not survive the loss of a key member of staff, according to Scottish Widows.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined an insurance broker £195,117 for insurance fraud and banned him from carrying on regulated financial services.

The NHS faces a crisis of care for older people, is not caring for the elderly as well it should, and the situation is worsening, NHS employers have heard.

Families are focusing on protection, even as they cut back on non-essentials, Aviva has found.

Half of insurers are now offering some form of HIV Life Assurance, up from 35% last year, according to medical financial advisers Unusual Risks.

Aviva has said 384 jobs in its Bristol office are at risk due to a simplification of its life business.

A marked change in consumer awareness is causing consumers to take an "austere" self-assessment of protection needs, Swiss Re has said.

The Permanent Health Company (PHC) has sought to reassure advisers' and quell concerns that its new five year underwriting deal with Axa PPP will eventually result in a takeover.

Westfield Health has reported sales growth of 29% increasing market share to 13.5%, in its annual results for 2010/11.

IFAs have claimed providers of individual protection products consistently fail to meet their expectations in dealing with existing business, Defaqto said.