Written question asked by Lord Kennedy of Southwark (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Wilcox (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 January 2012.

Education: Literacy

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Wilcox on 20 December (WA 343), what is their assessment of the substantial up-shift from level 1 to level 2 literacy of 16 to 65 year-olds.

Answer: The Government welcome the substantial up-shift from level 1 to level 2 literacy of 16 to 65 year-olds (57 per cent with literacy at level 2 or above in 2011 compared to 44 per cent in 2003). In New Challenges, New Chances¹, published on 1 December 2011, the Government highlighted that despite this improvement there are 15 per cent of adults who lack functional literacy skills, and 24 per cent who lack functional numeracy skills. Following their review of adult literacy and numeracy provision the Government are taking a number of actions to improve the economic and personal returns to their investment in literacy and numeracy provision. "¹ BIS (1/12/11) New Challenges, New Chances: Further Education and Skills System Reform Plan: Building a World Class Skills System, available online at: http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/docs/f/11-l380-further-education-skills-system-reform-plan.pdf."

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14611; 734 c145WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Apprenticeships
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Literacy
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk