Politics
SRA announces January start date for ABS
The Solicitors Regulation Authority will start accepting licensing applications for alternative business structures from 3 January 2012.
Health and safety proposals welcomed by insurers
Insurers and lawyers have welcomed the government’s claim that it will cut the health and safety burden on employers.
Fire protection sprinklers: The market needs saturating
Despite research showing sprinklers significantly reduce economic damage and environmental impact following major fires, hopes for mandatory legislation remain low.
Insurers hopeful on Autumn Statement
Insurers are more optimistic about future tax policy in the UK compared to a year ago; a PwC poll has revealed.
ABI guide tackles “overzealous” H&S rules
The Association of British Insurers has published a new guide to tackle the “overzealous” interpretations of health and safety rules for the voluntary sector and small businesses.
Editor's comment: Knowledge swap shop
The first of many: that appears to be the over-riding theme of this week’s insurance market developments. First we had the groundbreaking strategic partnership struck between Catlin and China Re, in a move both parties expect will prove extremely…
ABI defends proposal to ban young motorists from driving at night
The Association of British Insurers has been forced to defend its proposals, which included a ban on night driving for young drivers, after they were dismissed as unenforceable by the government and safety campaigners.
Insurers warned over consequences of hiring unregulated investigators
A senior private investigator has warned that insurers face ruined reputations when hiring unregulated private investigators in the wake of the News of the World phone hacking scandal.
View from the top: The challenge to keep it cold
Global warming presents unique challenges for the industry, says David Weymouth.
Employment tribunal reforms likely to stir controversy
This law report has been contributed by national law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Marine - Post-IUMI: High seas scrutiny
The recent International Union of Marine Insurance conference underlined the escalating piracy problem and tasked underwriters with delivering a cargo-specific solution.
Interview - Don Clarke: Ready for the reforms
Incoming Foil president Don Clarke is all set to tackle the challenges ahead as he prepares to lead insurance lawyers through legal reform not seen in generations.
Sovereign debt crisis is worsening, says HiFX foreign exchange dealer
Germany's failed bid to auction off $6bn of government debt has fuelled concerns that the sovereign debt crisis is worsening.
Catlin and China Re deal predicted to be catalyst for Lloyd’s investment – Insurance News Now
Post senior reporter Amy Ellis outlines this week's major general insurance stories including how industry experts believe the landmark partnership between Catlin and China Re will be a catalyst for a boom in Lloyd’s investment from insurers in emerging…
ABI Motor 2011: Whiplash needs to be referred to as “neck pain”
In a keynote address at the Association of British Insurers Motor Conference, Jonathan Evans MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on insurance & financial services, said that people have got to stop using the word ‘whiplash’ as though it is …
ABI Motor 2011: Number plate eye test “not fit for purpose”
Speaking on how we can improve the way young people learn to drive and improve road safety generally at the Association of British Insurers Motor Conference, Jon Sellors, group head of thought leadership at RSA, said that an important but overlooked…
ABI Motor 2011: Government “out of touch” with seriousness of referral fee problem
In the absence of Mike Penning, parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport, John Woodcock MP, shadow minister for transport, suggested that there should be criminal prosecution for the worst offenders of referral fees.
ABI Motor 2011: Cheaper ‘work journeys only’ car insurance proposed
Speaking at the Association of British Insurers Motor Insurance Conference tomorrow, John Woodcock, MP, Labour's shadow transport minister will propose that unemployed young people should be offered the choice of cheaper "work journeys only" car…
Keoghs warns of Laspo bill’s “limited scope”
Keoghs has spoken out about the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill as it goes through its second reading in the House of Lords.
UKRC calls for better provisions for sick staff
The UK Rehabilitation Council is demanding the introduction of proactive return-to-work strategies for sick staff, as the Department for Work and Pensions prepares to publish its sickness absence review on Monday.
Tottenham MP blasts insurer response to riots
Zurich has been forced to defend its alleged “woeful” response to the riots as small businesses fail to “fully understand” how to claim government funding.
Roundtable - Global programme: Building successful global programmes
Delivering tailored coverage around the world is a boon for multinational insurers. However, keeping up with regulatory demands, both internationally and locally, can be be a strain. Post gathered a group of experts to debate the most pressing issues.
Legal expenses: Survival of the fittest
Legal expenses insurers must adapt their models quickly to survive the government’s reforms — or risk extinction.
Zurich defends “woeful” riot response
Zurich has responded to Labour MP for Tottenham, David Lammy, who told BBC Radio 5 Live yesterday that the response of insurance companies following the riots, particularly Zurich, was "woeful".