UK - Renfrewshire Council is tendering for the provision of an employee group life scheme, the council has announced.

The £300,000-£600,000 (€440,000-880,000) contract is for two years starting from October 1, with the option to extend the contract for a further 12 months.

The scheme is due for renewal and the insurer who currently provides the scheme will be asked to retender.

The Scottish council declined to name the current provider.

"It is a very restricted market with a small number of players, hence it would be unfair if we would disclose that information," said Colin Bayne of Renfrewshire's insurance department.

The tender will go to "the most economically advantageous tender", with price and price stability weighing strongly, the Scottish council said.

The respondents will be rated in terms of financial strength and must have at least a B+ rating.

There is no maximum number of operators that will be invited to tender or participate; the deadline for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is September 5.

The council is not being advised in this tendering process.