RE: the sick days question - I assume you mean paid sick leave? Of which I get 6 months full pay, 6 months half-pay. Actually taking any? About 3 days a year unless something drastic happens. I get 25 days paid holiday per year, plus paid bank holidays. Maternity pay (bearing in mind it's been 6 years since I had need of it) was correct as of the last time I reviewed my contract, which would be about 9 months ago. I am entitled to bereavement and family leave, paid, and also an unpaid career break of up to 5 years. If I was over 60, I would be entitled to 3 months unpaid 'Benidorm' leave if I so desired.

I'm reading this through and realising that yes, working for a Mutual company does have its benefits. Even if the insurance is mostly boring. *thanks lucky stars*