Gallagher News and Insights

Employers are urged to protect employee wellbeing as Australia's economic crisis deepens. More than half of the country's 12 million workers received no support from their employer during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, despite having to adjust to major changes in their workplace, new research reveals.

For businesses reopening locations around COVID-19 changes in Australia, managers must first focus on the obvious priorities of health, safety and core day-to-day operations, and cybersecurity concerns may be among the next group of issues to be addressed. The usual dynamic balance between IT operational priorities and cyber security safeguards may be tested in an already challenging and...

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released June 2020 survey findings on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected businesses in Australia. The report, based on a survey of 2000 local businesses, delivers a snapshot of COVID impacts. Here’s a summary of the key changes to business – how does your business compare?

Gallagher is continuing to support our Victorian clients through this crisis. In response to increases in COVID-19 cases the Victorian government has declared a state of disaster and introduced new lockdown laws, including stage 4 restrictions applying in metropolitan Melbourne and stage 3 restrictions in regional areas. The following guide provides a quick reference to what this means.

Workplace safety challenges continue to change as COVID-19 infection clusters erupt in densely populated areas, while businesses attempt to return to ‘new normal’ operations in various parts of Australia. Many businesses will be juggling multiple premises and staff working environments, including working remotely (or working from home) and working in a mobile capacity.

As COVID-19 restrictions ease businesses making plans for travel should be aware that the intention of insurance is to cover sudden and unexpected events. Given travel restrictions and the high level warnings have been in place since 18 March this generally means travel insurance for COVID-related impacts is not available. Read on for specific communications relating to domestic and...

Opportunistic and quick to respond to new vulnerabilities or exposures, cyber criminals have wasted no time in adapting to the conditions presented by Australia’s response to COVID-19. Gallagher cyber practice leader Robyn Adcock explains why the restrictions that helped contain the spread of the virus also encouraged a cyber crime wave.

As you consider returning your operations and staff to your business’s workplace you need provide for a range of factors and how you will deal with them. Risk assessment and management is essential. This COVID-19 Business Return to Workplace 4 step plan can be utilised by any business, with considerations around your primary mode of trading, the wellbeing of your employees and how your...

As the failure of Virgin Australia illustrates, local business boards are confronting the threat of insolvency in the face of reduced revenue and strategic uncertainty, according to a Company Director magazine article published 1 June. Company Director spoke with Gallagher National Head of Professional and Financial Risks Michael Herron, who stressed the need for boards to scrutinise their...

During times of change and vulnerability insurance remains essential to business operations and continuity. Whether the cover applies to your business assets, employees, clients and customers or members of the general public you service, you need to ensure you have the four core business insurances that can provide added protection during uncertain times.

As restrictions ease business owners shouldn’t sell themselves short on essential protections. Business insurance expert Stephanie Fox explains why.

Transport businesses have specific insurance needs and risk exposures which require careful consideration, particularly in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic environment.

As Australian governments continue to ease restrictions, at least 119 film and television productions paused during the COVID-19 shut down are now mapping out their plans for returning to work. When filming resumes it will be under very different conditions and insurance considerations and risk management strategies will need to be examined and changed accordingly.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged Australia’s food production sector on all fronts — from a spike in distribution and transportation demands following a period of panic buying through to declining exports and slowing trading conditions in key markets such as China.

Business continuity remains firmly in the spotlight amid trading downturns, lockdown restrictions and empty retail spaces, following on from the recent battering by a summer of bushfires, droughts and storms.

'The COVID-19 pandemic is placing increased pressure on company directors and executives to communicate robust continuity plans that protect the interests of employees and shareholders, against a backdrop of uncertainty and rapidly evolving risk. In doing so, they will need to respond to a range of concerns — cash flow and liquidity, maintaining reputation, implementing employee safety...

Managing credit risk in the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic environment is critical and should form part of a business continuity plan, as businesses move to manage cash flow and apply for government aid packages (subject to eligibility).

Middle market businesses (<$250m turnover, 20+ employees) have specific insurance needs and risk exposures which require careful consideration, particularly in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic environment.

As the rate of COVID-19 infection drops in Australia, the government and business community are beginning to consider what a return to workplaces might look like. 

Until a vaccine is developed coronavirus remains a threat due to its ease of transmission, and this means workplaces will have to adopt new business models. Here are some workplace health and safety considerations to plan for.

With the Australian government taking extensive measures to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including various stages of lockdown in major cities, construction site managers and contractors should be prepared to respond to mandated stop works orders. Given the ongoing uncertainty, here’s what you need to know in a quick guide to typical contract works insurance protection.