Legal & General has published the latest in its series of analyses of its Group Income Protection (GIP) claim statistics.

They show that GIP claims for cardiovascular disease are highest among those working in general manufacturing.

In an analysis of all Legal & General’s GIP claims since 2000, the figures show that 6% were for cardiovascular diseases.

Of the five industries with the highest amount of cardiovascular claims, manufacturing was the largest, representing 43% of those claims.

The Wholesale trade came out lowest, with 7% of the group.

The findings underline the disproportionate impact cardiovascular disease has on certain sectors and the importance of taking steps to reduce the incidence of heart disease in these sectors.

“Managing heart disease is a key part of handling absence in modern workplaces,” said Diane Buckley, managing director, Legal & General Group Protection.

“These figures show the importance of providing tailored support to employers and employees.”

John Delfosse, Legal & General’s consulting medical officer, said: “These very interesting findings support the need to promote life style changes encouraging a healthy diet, weight control and increased physical activity to minimise the future impact of coronary heart disease.”