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Written question asked by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Independent (affiliation)) on Monday, 3 December 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 December 2018. It was answered by Justin Tomlinson (Conservative) on Monday, 10 December 2018 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Department for Work and Pensions: Email

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether claimants are given the option of receiving all correspondence from her Department via email if they have provided their email address.

Answer

Claimants who have a valid reasonable adjustment in place are permitted to receive correspondence from the Department by email should they request it. Claimants who do not have a reasonable adjustment in place are not permitted to receive correspondence from the Department by email as email is not classed as secure and there is an increased risk of data loss which could have a negative impact on both the individual and the Department.

Email must be used as a reasonable adjustment where it is requested by an individual disabled citizen who finds it difficult or impossible to communicate via other channels. Requesting communications via email must be for a valid reason which relates to the individual’s disability. Once email as a reasonable adjustment has been agreed the customer will be advised of the risks of data travelling over the unsecure network and being seen by 3rd parties via the confirmation email ‘disclaimer’ they receive.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
198187
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Correspondence Department for Work and Pensions Email
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk