ICMIF member Cirencester Friendly (UK) has introduced a new minimum benefit guarantee across its income protection products, helping provide greater financial certainty for members whose earnings may fluctuate due to changing working patterns.
The guarantee, which applies to both the Income Assured and My Earnings products, provides a minimum monthly payment of up to GBP 1,500 for eligible new and existing members at the point of claim, even where there is a discrepancy in earnings.
Under the initiative, if a claimant has cover based on earnings above GBP 1,500 per month but their income has since fallen below that level, they will still receive a guaranteed minimum payment of GBP 1,500. Members insured for less than GBP 1,500 per month will continue to receive their existing insured amount.
Cirencester Friendly said the enhancement is designed to better reflect the realities of modern working life, particularly for people with fluctuating incomes, including self-employed workers, freelancers and those participating in the gig economy.
Alan Waddington, Director of Distribution at Cirencester Friendly, said: “Working lives have changed significantly over the past decade in the UK. Approximately 4.4 million adults in the UK are self-employed, with about half of those working as freelancers. In addition, one in six adults work in the gig economy at least once a week. These trends mean incomes for many are a lot more fluid than they used to be. If we are to continue to be there for Members when they need us the most, it’s vital that we recognise and adapt our products to reflect working life as it is today. Offering them a guaranteed minimum payment means they can still cover the everyday essentials and reduce any friction or stress around their claim.”
The announcement comes soon after Cirencester Friendly’s latest claims data highlighted growing health challenges affecting the UK workforce. According to recently published figures, musculoskeletal conditions such as back and neck pain now account for 44% of all claims received by the insurer, up significantly from 25% in 2023.
The insurer also reported rising claims linked to mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, which increased from 5% of claims in 2023 to 8.1% in 2025. Overall, Cirencester Friendly paid 94% of claims in 2025, continuing a claims payment rate above 94% over the past 16 years.
The claims analysis also found that Millennials represented more than half of all claimants for the first time, while musculoskeletal conditions were identified as the leading cause of claims across every generation currently in the workforce.
Cirencester Friendly said the trends reflect wider health issues affecting the UK population, including increasing levels of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the long-term impact of changing working environments. The insurer added that it continues to strengthen support services for members, including automatically referring members claiming for mental health conditions to its Friendly Voice support service.
