The number of workers on zero-hours contracts continues to rise in the UK. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that between October and December 2018 there were between 777,000 and 911,000 people working on zero-hours contracts. But the impact of such contracts seems to be underestimated by the government.

In June 2019, much of Europe was struck by early heatwave, with temperatures reaching nearly 46 Centigrade (115 Fahrenheit) in France, an all-time record. A heat wave is characterised by extremely high temperatures over the course of several days and nights. They have significant impact on our daily lives – we feel overheated and tired. When a heat wave strikes, many governments activate a “heat action plan”, advising those affected to drink water, avoid strenuous exercise, and stay cool. If not, one risks having a heat stroke, which can be potentially life-threatening.

People in China have used salt to prepare and preserve food for thousands of years. But consuming lots of salt raises blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart attack and stroke, now accounts for 40% of deaths in China.

In our previous article* we saw how the growth and geographical expansion of multinationals is leading to increasing international mobility, and new challenges for the HR function. Now we’ll look at the issues surrounding a specific area of benefit provision – group life and disability cover – and discuss the range of solutions available.

Every year in April the two most important surveys for the Group Risk industry come out: Swiss Re’s ‘Group Watch’ shows how the Group Risk market is performing which informs insurers; while the GRID claims statistics survey shows how the Group Risk industry is performing from an adviser, employer and employee perspective.

Janet Barlow University of Hertfordshire Senior Lecturer in Law I am a qualified solicitor (non-practicing) teaching law to undergraduates and postgraduates at the University of Hertfordshire. My main teaching specialisms and research interests are in Employment Law and Family Law. I have written articles for the New Law Journal on zero hours contracts and same sex marriage.

Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi University of Hertfordshire Senior Lecturer and Cohort Tutor, Hertfordshire Law School Ernestine research area is company law and employment law. She has written a number of peer-reviewed journals on the challenges of regulating director’s remuneration and the impact of excessive director’s remuneration on the company and its workers. Ernestine also has interest in precarious work which she has written articles that look at excessive pay and

Pieter Vancamp Muséum national d’histoire naturelle (MNHN) Post-doctorant Pieter Vancamp graduated as a biologist at the University of Leuven, and obtained his doctoral degree as a researcher at the research group of Comparative Endocrinology at the same university. Here, he was also involved in guiding practical sessions on stress and adaptive physiology, as well as animal structure and function. He currently works as a post-doctoral researcher at the Natural History

Monique Tan Queen Mary University of London PhD Researcher Monique Tan is a NIHR-funded PhD researcher at Queen Mary University of London, with expertise in nutrition and international health. Her ambition is to tackle the leading diet-related causes of deaths and disabilities, by informing health and food policies with scientific evidence. Monique has extensive research and field experience in Europe, Asia, and Africa, including work at the World Health

Libby Sander Bond University Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Bond Business School Libby Sander, PhD, Master HRM, Bachelor of Arts (Japanese), Bachelor of Business, is an Assistant Professor in the Business School at Bond University. Libby has appeared on ABC TV’s Catalyst and The Drum featuring her research, Sunrise on Channel 7, ABC News and spoken at TEDx . Libby is an agenda contributor at the World Economic Forum

Andrew Wood andrew.wood@zurich.com Zurich International Head of Distribution & CRM Andrew Wood is currently Head of Distribution & CRM, Zurich International having held previous roles including European Head of Distribution and Head of Distribution at Zurich Corporate Risk & Zurich Corporate Savings in the UK. Prior to joining Zurich Andrew held domestic and international roles at AEGON and AIG, developing relationships with the leading Employee Benefits Consultancies. He has