Low Literacy Levels


The UK as a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in this context is described as a high income economy with a high human development index (HDI). Despite this the UK has low literacy pockets. Surprisingly the Literacy Trust (2017) tells us low literacy levels are not only restricted to regions with low income, employment and social deprivation. Literacy problems are widespread and embedded in the social fabric of our country. Experian undertook a literacy survey in England (excluding the devolved nations) in 2017 and found that 86% of English constituencies have at least one ward with urgent literacy need. Further, areas most in in need of literacy solutions according to the survey are Middlesbrough, Barking, Hackney South and Shoreditch, Liverpool and Sheffield. These are cities, towns or districts surrounding urban areas. UNESCO (2019) views acquiring and improving literacy skills throughout life, or Life Long Learning, as an intrinsic part of the right to education.



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