Written question asked by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Wednesday, 26 October 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 28 October 2005. It was answered by Alan Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 December 2005 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Literacy and Numeracy

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employees in his Department requested training to improve their (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills in each year since 2002.

Answer: Figures for literacy and numeracy take up in the Department are not held centrally. These items are discussed and dealt with locally in each group within DTI. Individuals discuss and review their training and development needs with their line managers as part of the performance management process. Any skills gaps in literacy or numeracy are identified and the appropriate help in a number of ways, for example, through training courses, on the job training or the Skills for Life Programme at an external learning establishment. Staff can also approach their union learning representative for advice and sources of help on how to improve their literacy and numeracy.

Secondary information