Costly Legacy of the Recession: Employers Risk Mass Exodus of Neglected Staff

ANDOVER, England, March 4, 2010 - A recent survey of the nation's employees carried out by
healthcare provider Simplyhealth has revealed that one in two UK staff say
their mental and physical wellbeing was ignored by their employer during the
economic downturn. A similar number - over 45% - also say that they will
start looking for a new job now that the market is showing signs of recovery.

This may come as a surprise to most employers, as those
surveyed as part of Simplyhealth's Bothered Britain report showed that
although the majority (52%) agree that they have been too focused on
surviving the recession to worry about employee wellbeing, three-quarters
(75%) of those questioned did not expect their workforce to be looking for
employment elsewhere.

It seems that businesses may face an uphill struggle to retain
staff this year as the job market recovers, unless changes are made in their
approach to workers' wellbeing. Almost half (47%) of the employers surveyed
said that the threat of job losses has led to stress for their staff, and a
third (33%) agree that the development of a 'work all hours' culture has had
a further impact of the health of the nation's workforce.

Medical expert Dr Christian Jessen, says: "The recession has
been a difficult time for employers and employees alike and may well have led
to increased incidents of workplace stress. Even short periods of stress can
have effects on your wellbeing, with many associated health problems.
Employees who feel valued and looked after are far more likely to stay in
their jobs and to work harder, leading to a healthier, happier workplace."

Jamie Wilson, spokesperson for Simplyhealth, says: "Businesses
have understandably been under a considerable strain over the past months,
but it is clear from our research that employee wellbeing needs to be high on
the agenda for employers, especially now that we are out of a recession.
Employers can show that they are bothered about their staff in a variety of
ways, including making efforts to ensure regular communication, providing
benefits, such as healthcare and trying to ensure a positive, enjoyable
atmosphere in the workplace. Small steps such as these can have a big impact
on an employee's overall health and wellbeing, and help to ensure key talent
is retained."

Simplyhealth provides a variety of health plans, which help
towards the cost of check-ups, treatment and emergencies, helping people
budget for the costs of expected and unexpected healthcare. It also has a
specialist Simplyhealth store that offers mobility and daily living aids.

For further information on Simplyhealth please bother us on
+44(0)800-072-6715 or log onto www.simplyhealth.co.uk. In a world
where so many people can't be bothered, Simplyhealth is proud to be a company
that can, to find out how log onto www.wecanbebothered.co.uk.

Notes to Editor

    - Previously known as HSA, BCWA, LHF, HealthSure and Totally
      Active, our family of health companies have joined together over the
      Last 8 years to form Simplyhealth
    - At Simplyhealth, we have been providing healthcare solutions for
      nearly 140 years, dedicated to serving our customers through a variety
      of cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, healthcare
      trusts and mobility and living aids
    - Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is
      authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
    - As of December 2009, Simplyhealth had 1.3 million customers
      providing cover for some 2.3 million people
    - Simplyhealth is committed in its constitution to making a
      positive impact on its communities. Each year, we help health related
      charities and causes to the tune of at least GBP1million

For further information on this story, please contact McKenna Townsend PR on +44(0)1425-472330 or email: Nikki Haine nikki at mckennatownsendpr.com; Nicola Holder nicola at mckennatownsendpr.com; Emily Wilson emily at mckennatownsendpr.com. For further information on Simplyhealth please contact: Abby Bowman, Senior Brand and PR Manager +44(0)1264-342561; Caroline Lakeman, Public Relations Manager +44(0)1264-342570; Rebecca Jeremy, Public Relations Assistant +44(0)1264-342400 Or pr at simplyhealth.co.uk