Manual workers are more fearful of experiencing workplace accidents yet remain the least protected demographic when it comes to income protection, according to preliminary findings from National Friendly's major new study launching in mid-October.
The new research, surveying 5,000 UK adults, uncovers particularly striking findings about manual workers, who face a troubling disconnect between accident risk and financial protection. It reveals that nearly one in four manual workers (23%) anticipate they'll have a workplace accident in the next 1-3 years, higher than the national average of 19%. Despite this heightened risk awareness, manual workers have low protection coverage, with just 4% holding Income Protection and only 1% owning Accident-Only Income Protection (AOIP) policies.
Furthermore, the friendly society found that more manual workers (36%) than the national average (34%) have never considered what they’d do if they had a non-fatal accident that impacted their finances.
The research also reveals a significant opportunity, as one in three (33%) say more affordable pricing would make them likely to purchase AOIP, as would 15% if there were clear examples of what is and isn't covered.
New National Friendly ‘Bruised Britain #2 – The Mishap Gap’ Report launching mid-October
National Friendly is set to launch its new report - "Bruised Britain #2: The Mishap Gap" - in mid-October 2025, providing new and comprehensive insights into accident risks, financial impact, and protection gaps across UK demographics.
Graham Singleton, CEO of National Friendly, said: “We're excited to launch this insightful research that reveals a compelling market opportunity that benefits all stakeholders in the protection ecosystem.
“Among a study of 5,000 consumers, we have addressed perceptions, costs and attitudes relating to accidents in Britain today. Many people are living in the aftermath of an everyday accident which has temporarily or permanently altered the course of their life, work and finances. As a specialist provider, with a mutual heritage spanning over 150 years, National Friendly sees non-traditional protection policies such as Accident-Only Income Protection and short-term protection like Friendly Shield as a vital stepping-stone for those who would otherwise remain unprotected - getting people onto the protection ladder and opening doors to broader conversations.
“While the report looks at the impact of accidents across all consumers, we’ve drilled down to focus on underserved groups in society including those in manual work that may be more likely to have an accident and can often be overlooked by the protection industry.”
National Friendly is committed to helping individuals and families safeguard their financial futures, no matter what challenges life throws at them. The latest member of its income protection product family, Friendly Shield, is designed with this in mind and is a simple, affordable, and quick option. It offers short-term benefits such as up to 3 months’ guaranteed income at the customer’s chosen level, fracture cover and access to online services such as Friendly GP+, 24/7 virtual GP services, and Friendly Dentist+, in-app chat with qualified dentists, – all with no medical underwriting.
Paul Foody, Chief Operating Officer at LifeSearch said: “In conversations we have with customers – and as evidenced in the National Friendly research – it’s increasingly apparent that consumers are becoming more aware of the different types of risks they face and how these might affect their household income. Advisers need to consider those risks when recommending products and respond to the individual’s financial resilience as well as their type of work, interests, and lifestyle.”
For more information on National Friendly, please visit www.nationalfriendly.co.uk
