Firms log on to staff benefits with cheaper insuranceThe battle to win and keep solicitors through benefits took another twist last week when Olswangs and Shoosmiths announced partnerships with Hiscox insurance to offer staff cheaper home insurance on-line.The firms are the first to enter into the partnership which allows staff access to a specifically tailored Web site offering lower-cost homecontents insurance.

From the Hiscox side, the deal will allow the company to target 'affluent' potential customers with specialist insurance products, in this case home insurance for those with house contents worth more than 15,000 and/or rebuilding costs of 40,000 or more.The scheme offers staff 'all risks' cover world-wide for home contents including computers and mobile phones.

Cover also extends to expensive items, such as jewellery andcameras, away from home.Olswang's chief operating officer Kevin Munslow said the firm had already used its collective buying power with National Westminster Bank to secure discounts on mortgages for staff and is now looking at motor insurance.Sue Allen