With long-term illness affecting more people across the UK, a local protection adviser is encouraging Oakham residents to consider how financially prepared they would be if they were suddenly unable to work.

Illness or injury can strike unexpectedly, and while the immediate concern is often health and recovery, the financial consequences can be just as worrying.

For households relying on a regular income to cover mortgage or rent payments, energy bills, food and childcare, an extended period away from work could put significant pressure on family finances.

And recent figures suggest that having a financial safety net is more important than ever.

The financial risks in three figures

37%

Of working-age people reported a long-term health condition in 2024/25, up from 29% in 2013/14.

2.77 MILLION

Working-age people were economically inactive due to long-term sickness in Q2 2026 – 744,000 more than in Q2 2019.

1 IN 10

Adults had no cash savings, while a further 21% had less than £1,000 set aside for emergencies, according to the FCA's latest Financial Lives survey.

Although having a long-term health condition doesn't necessarily mean someone cannot work, these figures raise an important question for households across Oakham and the surrounding area:

How long could your family manage financially if your regular income suddenly stopped?

Why having a financial 'Plan B' matters

Having a financial Plan B can help provide reassurance that a household would be better prepared if illness or injury affected someone's ability to earn.

This might involve building up savings, understanding what sick pay is available through an employer, checking workplace benefits or considering whether another household income could cover essential expenses.

Insurance protection can also play a role.

Depending on the policy and your circumstances, products such as income protection, critical illness cover and life insurance can provide regular payments or a lump sum when you or your family need financial support most.

Private medical insurance can also provide access to private treatment, giving you another option when you need care.

The right approach will depend on individual circumstances, including existing financial commitments, family responsibilities and any protection already in place.

Local adviser helping Oakham families prepare for the unexpected

For Marcin Otawa, a protection adviser with Prime Future, helping families understand their financial options is something he takes personally.

As a father of two, Marcin understands the importance of keeping a household financially secure and the concerns that can arise when a family's income is put at risk.

Based in Melton Mowbray, he works with individuals and families in Oakham and surrounding villages, helping them review their existing arrangements and identify any potential gaps in their financial protection.

Marcin provides advice on income protection, life insurance, critical illness cover and private medical insurance, with an emphasis on helping people understand the options available to them.

Whether someone is starting a family, buying a home or simply reviewing their existing financial arrangements, taking time to consider a Plan B could help them feel better prepared for the unexpected.

Appointments are available face-to-face or over the telephone, with advice offered in both English and Polish.

To find out more, visit Marcin's website or call him on 07375 312 994 to arrange a free, no-obligation initial review.