Written By Jonathan Palmer 
How Honest Payroll Specialist Contractor Insurance with AVIVA Helps Agencies Protect Their Workforce and Gain a Competitive Edge
In today’s contractor market, agencies are under increasing pressure to do more than simply place talent. Contractors expect stronger support, greater protection and genuine investment in their wellbeing — particularly when working internationally, offshore or in higher-risk environments.
At Honest Payroll, we recognised that agencies needed a more complete workforce solution. That’s why we partnered with Aviva to provide specialist contractor insurance and wellbeing support designed specifically for modern contractors and globally mobile workforces.
This enhanced protection not only helps safeguard contractors while they work around the world, but also gives agencies a valuable competitive advantage when attracting and retaining talent.
The Growing Challenge for Recruitment Agencies
Today’s contractors often work across:
- International projects
- Offshore platforms and vessels
- Engineering and energy sectors
- Remote and hazardous locations
- Frequent business travel assignments
Standard travel insurance policies frequently fail to provide adequate protection for these environments, leaving both contractors and agencies exposed to unnecessary risk.
At the same time, agencies are expected to demonstrate:
- Stronger duty of care
- Improved contractor wellbeing support
- Better mental health awareness
- Enhanced workforce protection
- Greater operational responsibility
We wanted to create a solution that genuinely supports contractors while helping agencies strengthen their overall offering.
The Honest Payroll & AVIVA Solution
Through our partnership with Aviva, contractors working through Honest Payroll can access a comprehensive specialist insurance package designed specifically for contractor lifestyles and working environments.
Key Features Include:
Worldwide Business Travel Cover
- Worldwide cover including the USA
- Unlimited Emergency Medical Expenses and Repatriation
- No excess payable
- £10,000 cover for personal belongings
Offshore & Marine Protection
Unlike many standard policies, this cover includes:
- Offshore platforms
- Vessels
- Helicopter transfers to offshore locations
This is particularly valuable for contractors operating within:
- Oil & Gas
- Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Maritime sectors
- Infrastructure projects
For agencies supplying talent into these industries, specialist protection helps provide reassurance for both contractors and end clients.
Investing in Contractor Wellbeing
One of the most important aspects of the AVIVA offering is the inclusion of extensive wellbeing and mental health support services.
At Honest Payroll, we believe protecting contractors goes far beyond travel insurance alone.
AVIVA Wellbeing Services
Contractors gain access to a digital wellbeing platform developed by clinical experts, helping both employees and managers better understand workplace wellbeing and mental health challenges.
The platform includes guidance on:
- Mental health in the workplace
- Recognising behavioural changes
- Managing difficult conversations
- Crisis response support
- Workplace adjustments and support
- Signposting additional help
There is also a comprehensive online wellbeing library covering:
- Mental health support
- Physical wellbeing
- Family and relationship advice
- Financial wellbeing
- Workplace stress and pressure management
24/7 Counselling & Personal Support
Contractors and eligible family members can also access a confidential counselling and support service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Support includes:
- Bereavement counselling
- Divorce and relationship support
- Workplace bullying advice
- Stress and anxiety management
- Emotional wellbeing support
The service also provides up to six free telephone counselling sessions per issue.
For contractors who spend significant periods travelling or working away from home, this level of support can make a meaningful difference to both wellbeing and productivity.
Encouraging Healthier Lifestyles
The AVIVA package also includes a range of lifestyle and wellness benefits designed to support healthier living and improved work-life balance.
Contractors can access:
- Discounted gym memberships
- Online fitness programmes
- Relaxation and meditation support
- Nutrition advice
- Self-care resources
- Travel and spa offers
- Cancer Care with Get Active services
For agencies, these additional benefits help demonstrate a genuine investment in contractor wellbeing rather than simply meeting minimum compliance obligations.
Real-Time Global Security & Travel Assistance
For contractors travelling internationally, access to reliable real-time information and support is essential.
The Solace Secure App & Portal provides:
- Real-time travel alerts
- Global health and security intelligence
- Interactive risk maps
- Location-based safety alerts
- 24/7 emergency medical and security support
Additional travel support services include:
- Visa and entry advice
- Vaccination guidance
- Translation assistance
- Lost passport support
- Luggage tracking support
- Travel concierge services
This gives contractors greater confidence when travelling and helps agencies strengthen their duty of care responsibilities.
Why This Matters for Recruitment Agencies
Providing access to specialist contractor insurance through Honest Payroll offers agencies several important commercial and operational advantages.
Improved Contractor Attraction & Retention
Contractors increasingly choose agencies that demonstrate:
- Strong workforce support
- Genuine care for wellbeing
- Better protection while working abroad
- Enhanced safety measures
Offering specialist insurance can help agencies:
- Stand out from competitors
- Increase contractor loyalty
- Improve contractor satisfaction
- Strengthen long-term workforce relationships
Enhanced Duty of Care
The combination of:
- Global medical protection
- Offshore cover
- Mental health support
- Security assistance
- Travel advice
helps agencies demonstrate a stronger commitment to contractor welfare and compliance.
This is particularly important when supplying contractors into regulated or higher-risk industries.
Stronger Brand Reputation
Working with a respected insurer such as Aviva reinforces professionalism, credibility and trust.
For many agencies, contractor wellbeing and protection are now becoming key differentiators during:
- Client tenders
- PSL applications
- Contractor onboarding
- Talent attraction campaigns
Why Honest Payroll Chose AVIVA
At Honest Payroll, we believe payroll should deliver far more than simple administration.
By combining payroll expertise with specialist contractor protection and wellbeing services, we help agencies:
- Protect their workforce
- Reduce operational risk
- Improve contractor engagement
- Enhance retention
- Strengthen their market position
Partnering with Aviva allows us to offer contractors meaningful support while helping agencies deliver a stronger, more responsible workforce solution.
Looking Ahead
The contractor market continues to evolve rapidly. Agencies that invest in contractor wellbeing, protection and workforce support are increasingly the ones attracting and retaining the best talent.
Specialist contractor insurance is no longer simply a “nice to have” — it has become an important part of building a modern, responsible and competitive contractor offering.
At Honest Payroll, we remain committed to helping agencies and contractors succeed safely, confidently and securely.
Speak to Honest Payroll
If you would like to learn more about our specialist contractor insurance solution with Aviva, we’d be happy to help.
Paul Gatenby
Honest Payroll
📞 0330 057 2643
📧 info@honestpayroll.co.uk
🌐 Honest Payroll