FCA Test Case Update – Appeal Date Set for 16 November 2020 Ascend FCA Business Interruption Test Case – Update At a ‘Consequentials’ hearing on 2 October 2020, the FCA, named insurers and Hiscox Interveners were given certificates to enable them to appeal to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court agreed to hear…
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Retailers prepare for surge in COVID-19 claims
Socially distanced queues, mandatory face coverings and hand sanitiser upon entry are some of the features of the post-lockdown retail experience, as we move into the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some retail operations have stayed open throughout the pandemic as an essential service, many more have only recently been able to reopen…
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Putting your staff and volunteers first during lockdown
How to keep in touch, communicate and put your employees and volunteers at the forefront during lockdown. As we come to the end of the first week of our national lockdown, it can be easy to focus on how your charity is doing, how many beneficiaries are being reached, how sales are going, how to…
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Why charities need cyber insurance, regardless of size
Why charities need cyber insurance, regardless of their size With all the challenges and changes that Covid-19 is bringing we saw a sudden and near-total shift to remote working (and now a more measured transition to blended working) many charities have had to re-examine their existing cyber security practices. In the past year 20% of charities have…
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The growing threat of heat stress
Millions across the globe could be at risk of heat stress which may cause fatigue, drowsiness or in extreme circumstances kidney failure. The effect of global warming may have significant effects on humans and more many it may become ‘too hot to work’. This has been greatly enhanced by Covid-19 and the effect of PPE.…
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The recent COVID -19 High Court ruling
The recent COVID -19 High Court ruling. This provides some clarity for customers’ business interruption claims caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The Background Following interruption to businesses due to the pandemic, insurers were showing inconsistency in dealing with claims. Many business interruption covers only provided property damage cover. However, some policies had infectious disease extensions or…
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Cyber insurance is set to become vital after Covid-19
Although most businesses have always seen cyber insurance as a necessity, many will now realise its utmost importance in keeping them protected. The risk of cyber attacks has grown exponentially due to many working from home, leaving small businesses vulnerable to attack. Since 2015 there has been a 300% increase in small and medium size…
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Are companies looking to rely on remote working?
An online survey of insurers’ changing priorities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by consultancy firms show a major focus on remote working for 2020 and 2021. The survey, which covered around 25 insurers globally, took place between 31st May and 11th June. Only 8% were very confident that the coronavirus pandemic will be…
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5 tips to keep employees safe when returning to work
As businesses return to work across the country, many employees will be worried about safety. Follow these five tips to keep your business safe and give your employees peace of mind. 1 Install hygiene screens – these will prevent contact between employees sitting next to each other at desks. By creating this barrier between work…
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Deloitte strategies for post-Covid recovery
Deloitte have released a 22-page document which informs on how businesses can get back to a new normal, and thrive. This document can be found in Ascend’s Covid-19 FAQ’s The document is based around 5 key principles: Reflect, Recommit, Re-engage, Rethink and Reboot. Deloitte say these principles lay the foundations to allow businesses to thrive…
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