Over half of small and medium-sized business said that they would be significantly affected if a key employee was unable to work for more than six months due to a serious illness.

Research by Scottish Provident has highlighted the need for firms to have adequate critical illness cover should one of their employees be unable to work.

"Our research shows that small business owners need to improve their knowledge of how to protect their business and their employees, in case illness or death should occur," said Jerry Bayman, national corporate sales manager at Scottish Provident.