A significant proportion of UK employers remain inadequately prepared to manage the risks associated with overseas employee assignments, raising concerns around duty of care, compliance, and workforce safety, according to new research highlighted by International Travel & Health Insurance Journal.
The findings suggest that while global mobility continues to expand, many organisations have not kept pace with the growing complexity of international assignments. Employers are increasingly exposed to risks linked to geopolitical instability, health emergencies, regulatory non-compliance, and inadequate insurance coverage for employees working abroad. Despite these challenges, structured risk assessments and formalised global mobility frameworks remain lacking across many UK firms.
The research indicates that a number of organisations still rely on fragmented policies or informal processes to manage overseas postings. This leaves employees vulnerable to gaps in medical cover, emergency response arrangements, and legal protections in host countries. Experts warn that failure to address these risks not only jeopardises employee wellbeing but can also expose employers to legal liabilities and reputational damage.
Duty of care obligations are becoming more stringent, particularly as regulators and courts place greater emphasis on employer responsibility for employee safety beyond domestic borders. The report stresses that organisations must adopt a more proactive approach by integrating travel risk management, insurance planning, and compliance checks into their global mobility strategies.
Industry specialists recommend regular risk assessments, clearer assignment policies, and closer collaboration between HR, risk management, and insurance teams. As overseas assignments become more diverse and geographically dispersed, employers are being urged to treat global mobility risk as a core governance issue rather than an administrative function.
The findings serve as a reminder that as international working arrangements evolve, preparedness and structured risk management will be critical to safeguarding both employees and organisations.
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