If you thought the financial profession was immune to the impacts of COVID-19, then think again. Some eye-catching new statistics from the Chartered Insurance Institute have served to highlight just how extensive the pandemic’s fallout has been.
The professional body’s discount scheme was launched with the intention of helping members and non-members to continue their studies and further their careers amid the outbreak. However, the CII reports that of 203 members who received the discount code, 82 had either been furloughed or had their income materially reduced. The remaining 121 requested the discount because they were either self-employed, and their income had been hit by the pandemic; because the offer of a new job had been withdrawn; because they had been terminated; or because their employer’s business had collapsed.
According to Gill White, learning and assessment director at the CII, such statistics only serve to highlight why the discount was launched in the first place. It offers 20% off digital learning materials and is available while the government’s furlough scheme remains in place.
“I am pleased that members who have found themselves financially impacted by COVID-19 have been able to use the discount to continue their professional development during the crisis,” she said.
“We introduced the discount to assist and support both our members and non-members who want to enrich their skills and develop their knowledge during this health and economic crisis.
“By taking this time to engage in learning we hope our insurance and personal finance professionals are furthering their careers and will be in the best place they can be to assist consumers.”
