Sloppy email management puts UK firms at risk

Half of the 100 UK firms surveyed by Fast Corporate Services never review or update their email usage policies. This leaves company directors wide open to charges of IP infringement and defamation or confidentiality breaches.

Over two-thirds of companies only get staff to sign an email usage policy once, even though new threats are constantly emerging.

Without guidelines staff could abuse corporate email for personal use and embarrass their employer.

“It is important to set clear standards of conduct and performance and give employees examples of appropriate and inappropriate actions – for example, prohibiting the sending of chain emails or jokes and advising on email etiquette, including content,” Chris Minchin, membership manager at Fast Corporate Services, advises.