The Workforce Digital Skills Summit at the historic London Guildhall addressed how to uplift the widespread lack of digital skills among working- age adults and the universal benefits of upskilling. Ledetta Asfa-Wossen finds out more.


T


here is a critical gap in essential digital skills among UK workers. A knowledge gap that has nothing to do with coding, programming or even specialist data and AI skills.


According to the coalition Future Dot Now, more


than half of UK workers are missing basics like fundamental online safety skills and being able to use digital collaboration tools. “Today, the majority of the UK labour force lack the


full suite of digital capabilities industry and government agree are essential for work. Closing this skills gap is critical for boosting growth and productivity, embracing emerging tech like AI, and breaking down barriers to opportunity for all. The UK needs a Great Digital Catch Up, with every member of the UK workforce, paid or


voluntary, supported to build the digital foundations required for work today and in the future,” said Liz Williams MBE, chief executive, Future Dot Now. The pervasive gap exists across all regions and


demographics leaving many unable to access good jobs or essential public services. “There are over 21 million working-age adults


who cannot do all 20 digital work tasks outlined in the Essential Digital Skills Framework – that’s 52% of the labour force. Every one of those people is someone like you, or like me. And, there are 2.3 million people in the UK who can’t complete any of them – but it’s a huge opportunity,” added Williams. “We need to reach all these people, and fast, because let’s face it, the tech is not going to wait.”


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GLOBAL LEADERSHIP


DIGITAL SKILLS GAP


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