Voluntary and worksite benefit sales are down for the first time in history, a delayed effect of the financial recession, according to a new report.

Group voluntary sales increased by 6.7% last year, off from the 8.5% of 2008, bolstered in part by the increased use of “hybrid” products, according to an Eastbridge report.

More than a third of the new voluntary sales appear to be the result of one carrier taking over another’s plan, according to the U.S. Worksite Sales Report.

Interest in voluntary benefits has rebounded this year, after tailing off last year, according to an industry confidence index.