Digital pensions must not leave savers behind, warns SPP
SPP warned that greater reliance on digital services could widen inequalities for people who lacked access, skills, confidence or trust.
The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has warned that the move towards digital pension services could leave some savers behind.
Its paper, ‘Pensions in a Digital World: Embedding Inclusion’, called on the industry to make inclusion part of the design of digital services.
The SPP said digital technology could improve engagement, simplify administration and help members make retirement decisions.
However, it warned that greater reliance on digital services could widen inequalities for people who lacked access, skills, confidence or trust.
Digital exclusion could lead to lower pension engagement, poorer retirement outcomes and greater exposure to scams and fraud.
The paper called on trustees, providers, regulators and policymakers to build accessibility into services from the start and retain other forms of support.
It also recommended simpler communications, proportionate identity checks and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The SPP said digital exclusion was not limited to internet access.
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