Menu
02/03/2012
Poor Numeracy Reaches Record High
The number of adults with poor numeracy skills has reached 17 million in England alone – very nearly half the working-age population.
The figure has increased by nearly two million over the last eight years (from 47% to 49%) and is a disturbing indictment of national attitudes to numeracy, according to new charity National Numeracy. It far exceeds the equivalent figure for poor literacy – five million adults.
National Numeracy is highlighting largely ignored figures from a 2011 government Skills for Life survey (based on 7,000 adults aged 16-65) which show that one in two adults has numeracy skills roughly equivalent to those expected of children at primary school and may not be able to understand pay and deductions on a wages slip.
This is the first time that an organisation has been set up solely to champion the vital importance of numeracy for people of all ages. National Numeracy seeks to emulate the success of the National Literacy Trust (founded 1993) which has helped transform lives through literacy.
The organisation also revealed the results of a YouGov poll of 2000 adults, which it commissioned last month and which found that, while 80% of adults would be embarrassed to tell someone they were bad at reading and writing, only slightly more than half (56%) would be embarrassed to say they were bad at maths.
Chris Humphries, chair of National Numeracy and former chief executive of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), said: "It is simply inexcusable for anyone to say ‘I can’t do maths’. It’s a peculiarly British disease which we aim to eradicate. It doesn’t happen in other parts of the world, and it’s hitting our international competitiveness. With encouragement and good teaching, everyone can improve their numeracy."
Graeme Hughes, corporate affairs director at Nationwide Building Society, one of the founding sponsors of National Numeracy, commented: "It is unacceptable that there are so many people in the UK with poor numeracy skills. Not only does numeracy affect employability, but it is also a cornerstone to building financial capability. By investing in National Numeracy and helping to kick start this campaign, we’re hoping to have a real impact on numeracy levels, creating new opportunities for people across the UK."
The new organisation, whose founding sponsors alongside Nationwide Building Society include the Rayne Foundation, Oxford University Press and John Lyon’s Charity, will campaign to change negative attitudes to maths and also work with partner organisations to identify and spread new ways of improving the standard of numeracy.
(GK)
The figure has increased by nearly two million over the last eight years (from 47% to 49%) and is a disturbing indictment of national attitudes to numeracy, according to new charity National Numeracy. It far exceeds the equivalent figure for poor literacy – five million adults.
National Numeracy is highlighting largely ignored figures from a 2011 government Skills for Life survey (based on 7,000 adults aged 16-65) which show that one in two adults has numeracy skills roughly equivalent to those expected of children at primary school and may not be able to understand pay and deductions on a wages slip.
This is the first time that an organisation has been set up solely to champion the vital importance of numeracy for people of all ages. National Numeracy seeks to emulate the success of the National Literacy Trust (founded 1993) which has helped transform lives through literacy.
The organisation also revealed the results of a YouGov poll of 2000 adults, which it commissioned last month and which found that, while 80% of adults would be embarrassed to tell someone they were bad at reading and writing, only slightly more than half (56%) would be embarrassed to say they were bad at maths.
Chris Humphries, chair of National Numeracy and former chief executive of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), said: "It is simply inexcusable for anyone to say ‘I can’t do maths’. It’s a peculiarly British disease which we aim to eradicate. It doesn’t happen in other parts of the world, and it’s hitting our international competitiveness. With encouragement and good teaching, everyone can improve their numeracy."
Graeme Hughes, corporate affairs director at Nationwide Building Society, one of the founding sponsors of National Numeracy, commented: "It is unacceptable that there are so many people in the UK with poor numeracy skills. Not only does numeracy affect employability, but it is also a cornerstone to building financial capability. By investing in National Numeracy and helping to kick start this campaign, we’re hoping to have a real impact on numeracy levels, creating new opportunities for people across the UK."
The new organisation, whose founding sponsors alongside Nationwide Building Society include the Rayne Foundation, Oxford University Press and John Lyon’s Charity, will campaign to change negative attitudes to maths and also work with partner organisations to identify and spread new ways of improving the standard of numeracy.
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 October 2003
15m adults lack basic GCSE numeracy skills: survey
More than 15 million adults in the UK have such poor numeracy skills that they would not be able to gain even the lowest grades at GCSE, according to a government report published today. The study also found that those that have numeracy skills below the standard expected of 9 to 11-year-olds fell slightly from 7 million in 1997 to 6.
15m adults lack basic GCSE numeracy skills: survey
More than 15 million adults in the UK have such poor numeracy skills that they would not be able to gain even the lowest grades at GCSE, according to a government report published today. The study also found that those that have numeracy skills below the standard expected of 9 to 11-year-olds fell slightly from 7 million in 1997 to 6.
13 August 2012
Math Reforms Criticised By Numeracy Charity
Reforms to the maths curriculum, proposed by Michael Gove, have been criticised for putting too much emphasis of “rote learning” and not enough on using maths in real-life contexts, according to a campaign group set up to improve numeracy.
Math Reforms Criticised By Numeracy Charity
Reforms to the maths curriculum, proposed by Michael Gove, have been criticised for putting too much emphasis of “rote learning” and not enough on using maths in real-life contexts, according to a campaign group set up to improve numeracy.
26 September 2003
'Unsatisfactory teaching' mars adult skills provision: Ofsted
The government's adult basic skills strategy is being hampered by "poor quality provision and unsatisfactory teaching", a new report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) and the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) finds today.
'Unsatisfactory teaching' mars adult skills provision: Ofsted
The government's adult basic skills strategy is being hampered by "poor quality provision and unsatisfactory teaching", a new report from the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) and the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) finds today.
20 August 2007
Teenagers Lack Essential Skills
More than half of employers say they face a 'nightmare' dealing with teenage school leavers who are unable to read, write and perform basic maths skills properly. A new Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey revealed many employers are unhappy with the fundamental English and maths skills of 16 year olds.
Teenagers Lack Essential Skills
More than half of employers say they face a 'nightmare' dealing with teenage school leavers who are unable to read, write and perform basic maths skills properly. A new Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey revealed many employers are unhappy with the fundamental English and maths skills of 16 year olds.
16 December 2004
Report highlights adult basic skills shortfall
A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has praised the Department of Education and Skills for a "good start" made in the long-term strategy to improve the levels of adult literacy and numeracy in England, but has said that there are "more challenges ahead".
Report highlights adult basic skills shortfall
A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) has praised the Department of Education and Skills for a "good start" made in the long-term strategy to improve the levels of adult literacy and numeracy in England, but has said that there are "more challenges ahead".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
