New findings published during National Grief Awareness Week suggest that many employees in the UK lack confidence that their employer would support their family in the event of their death.
The research, carried out among employees by GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector, shows that only 35% believe their employer would offer financial support to their family. A smaller proportion, 23%, think their employer would provide mental health support such as bereavement counselling. In addition, 21% believe their employer would offer practical support, including help with probate or funeral planning.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, said, “Employers have a clear duty to step up and support the families of their employees in the tragic event of a death. However, our research reveals a troubling reality: many employees lack confidence that their employer would provide such support. That lack of trust should give every responsible business pause for thought.”
The findings suggest a gap between employee expectations and the safety nets that employers currently have in place. Without formal structures, support for bereaved families can vary widely, often depending on goodwill rather than a defined process. For many organisations, this raises questions about consistency and reliability at a time when stability is essential.
Employer Responsibilities During Bereavement
The research suggests that without group life assurance, employers may be limited in the level of structured support they can offer. Where companies rely solely on discretionary assistance, families can experience uncertainty about what support is available and how consistently it will be delivered. Employers who do have established policies are often better equipped to ensure fair treatment across their workforce.
More than 11.4 million employees in the UK are currently covered by a group life assurance policy. However, with a total workforce of 34.2 million, almost 23 million employees remain without this type of protection. The absence of a defined safety net may leave families unsure about what help they can expect, while employers may struggle to respond consistently at an already difficult time.
Moxham said, “The additional support available through group life assurance, beyond a simple lump sum or ongoing payment, is a pragmatic way to ensure employees’ families are cared for.”
Strengthening Trust In Workplace Support
Moxham added, “As we mark National Grief Awareness Week, which shines a light on where people can turn for bereavement support, it’s vital that employers are seen as one of the first and most trusted sources of that help.”
The research suggests that establishing clear policies can help strengthen employee confidence. With both emotional and practical needs arising during bereavement, defined workplace support can reduce uncertainty for families while helping organisations act with consistency and compassion.