Unum Adds Innovative Benefit to Support Working Parents

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Tue May 20, 2008 9:30am EDT

Company Will Contribute to 529 Plan for New Children of Employees
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(Business Wire)--
Beginning this year, Unum (NYSE: UNM) will contribute $700 towards
a 529 college fund for children of its employees, an innovative new
program that underscores the company's expertise in the benefits
industry and its commitment to education.

   Unum, one of the nation's leading providers of employee benefits
and services, knows the value of a strong benefits portfolio.

   "In this tight labor market, employers of all sizes are looking at
unique benefits we can provide to attract and retain a quality
workforce," said Eileen Farrar, senior vice president of corporate
human resources. "Niche benefits, such as this 529 contribution,
highlight the importance of addressing the needs of our diverse
working population - in this case working parents who will face
extensive higher education costs for their children."

   In addition, this benefit builds on the company's commitment to
improving education opportunities for children.

   "Unum supports the communities in which we work with a special
focus on public education," said Joe Foley, senior vice president and
chief marketing officer. "This 529 benefit expands this commitment to
our own Unum families, inspiring them to put their children on the
path to educational success."

   All U.S.-based employees of Unum and Colonial Life are eligible
for the benefit. It applies to children born or adopted in 2008 and
after by a Unum employee, spouse or partner who opens a 529 education
savings account within one year of the birth or adoption date. Several
hundred children were born to Unum families in 2007.

   New dad Jarrod Smith, a 29-year-old member of Unum's Corporate
Marketing Department, has a clear appreciation of the long-term
significance of this program.

   "My wife is a financial advisor and talks to clients every day
about the importance of starting early to save for their children's
education," Smith said. "Even though it seems like a lifetime before
our daughter will enroll in college, now is the best time to start
planning for this expense. We feel so fortunate that Unum is taking
the initiative to jump start this investment for our child."

   About Unum

   Unum (www.unum.com), formerly UnumProvident, is one of the leading
providers of employee benefits products and services, and the largest
provider of group and individual disability income protection
insurance in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Unum
Media:
MC Guenther, 866-750-8686 or 423-294-6300

Copyright Business Wire 2008
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