Nearly one in four GIP claims now submitted digitally through UnumSync 

Digitally-led claims journeys are helping employers respond earlier to long-term sickness absence, as businesses face growing pressure from rising levels of ill health across the workforce, according to new figures from Unum UK. 

The employee benefits provider said nearly one in four group income protection (GIP) claims are now being submitted through UnumSync, its connected employer platform, just six months after launch. Between November 2025 and February 2026, 22.5 per cent of claims were submitted digitally through the platform. 

Unum said the shift reflects increasing employer demand for faster, more connected absence management processes that allow earlier intervention and closer oversight of employee support. 

The figures come as long-term sickness absence continues to rise across the UK, with employers facing mounting challenges linked to mental health, chronic illness and workforce inactivity. 

Paula Coffey, director of claims, rehabilitation and medical services at Unum UK, said: “Long-term sickness absence has reached record highs, but we’re now seeing a clear move towards modern claims and absence management journeys, which help employers act sooner. In 2025, Unum paid £538m in group risk and health claims. And for the third year running, our Vocational Rehabilitation team helped 97 per cent of people get back to work or reach an agreed outcome. As claim volumes and complexity grow, early and sustained employer engagement is critical to positive outcomes.” 

The company said digitally-led claims journeys are helping shift absence management further upstream, allowing employers to identify issues earlier and reduce delays in accessing support. 

Unum also pointed to growing demand for integrated health and wellbeing support alongside financial protection products. Feedback from users of its Help@hand wellbeing service found that three-quarters of respondents saw their health concerns resolved more quickly than if they had booked care elsewhere. Nearly two-thirds also said access to a remote GP helped reduce time away from work. 

Coffey added: “Reflecting the principles set out in the Keep Britain Working Review and as the UK workplace continues to evolve, digitally led absence management and claims journeys will play a defining role in how employers respond to long-term absence. This moves the focus upstream, reduces delays and turns claims into an earlier opportunity for support rather than a last resort.” 

The data highlights how claims management is becoming more closely linked with wider workplace health strategies, particularly as employers face growing scrutiny around absence, productivity and workforce wellbeing. With long-term sickness remaining a major issue for UK businesses, providers are increasingly positioning digital claims and rehabilitation services as part of a broader early intervention approach to workforce health.