Business news for Sun, 23 Dec 2007 & with word independent. 3 news.

Health insurance premiums in 2007 have remained relatively stable for many employers, some of whom are still reeling from years of double-digit increases, a new survey shows. United Benefit Advisors, an association of independent brokers, culled data from 11,723 employers and 16,485 health plans, making it the most comprehensive snapshot of employer comparative data in the nation. Last year, employers nationwide absorbed premium increases averaging 8.6 percent. This year, renewal increases averaged 7.2 percent nationally, costing employers about $6,881 a year per employee. For Kansas employers, premium increases averaged 5.1 percent this year, costing about $6,116 a year per employee, the survey showed. Industry experts credit the growing popularity of wellness programs and creative benefit packages for keeping costs in check this year -- and perhaps for a few years to come.

What may make the headlines • KENYA goes to the polls on Thursday December 27th. The chances of a reasonably fair ballot are good and there has been no serious violence. Kenya's electoral commission has done a reasonable job of staying independent and working to avoid vote rigging. And the last poll before the election suggests a close contest. Raila Odinga, who helped to defeat Danial arap Moi in the presidential election of 2002, by supporting Mwai Kibaki's coalition, has a good chance of toppling Mr Kibaki from the presidency this time. For background, see article ...

There will be at least 11,500 personal injury claims made in the UK this week that need an independent medical report before they are either signed off or dismissed.