Frequently asked questions
What does literacy mean?
It is the ability to read, write and speak in English (or any native language) at a level necessary to function at work and in society in general.
What is functional illiteracy?
A functional illiterate has a basic grasp of literacy, but he or she is unable to use reading, writing and computational skills efficiently and effectively in everyday life situations. For example a functional illiterate cannot read traffic signs, prescriptions, understand a bus schedule, read a newspaper article, fill out an employment application or understand a contract. He or she is limited in using computers and mobile phones.
Experts say that anyone whose literacy level is below Level 2 is functionally illiterate. Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE in English.
How many people are functionally illiterate in the UK ?
The latest survey dates back to 2003, but only covers England. It states that 26.7 million people have literacy skills below Level 2. Among them 5.2 million are on Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3, i.e. they have the same or less reading abilities as primary school pupils.
Who are those people?
It can be anybody – from the successful businessman, famous rugby player or model to the house wife, unemployed or school leaver. However, the average functionally illiterate person is over 35, lives in a deprived area – be it rural or urban, has a working class background, lives in accommodation rented from the council and works in a routine occupation.
Why do they lack basic reading skills?
One in five has a longstanding illness or disability and one in ten has a learning difficulty – mostly dyslexia. 20 per cent are people whose first language is not English. Most of the others have gone to school, were taught reading, but either left school without appropriate skills or never really used their skills due to personal circumstances. However, 18 per cent have an A level or higher qualifications and 20 per cent have managerial or professional jobs. Studies have revealed that there are links between poor literacy skills and lacking parental support and excessive TV viewing.
How do functionally illiterate people cope?
A survey in 2003 found that most of those people do not think their reading skills are below average. Many do not realise how low their skills are because they have developed clever strategies how to get through life without those basic skills. Most of them try to hide their lack of skills – e.g. they claim in public they have forgotten their glasses, search for jobs where they can get by, rely on symbols, shapes and colours and depend on friends and family.
Aren’t they disadvantaged?
Yes, they are under psychological and economic strain. They can feel inferior and can be socially excluded. They lack good job opportunities, they might earn less, and they often are less healthy than literate people.
What is done for them?
The government launched a ‘Skills for Life Strategy’ in 2001. Functional illiterates are offered free reading courses in adult learning centres or colleges.
What are skills for life?
It is the official term for literacy, numeracy and English language in England. Experts do not use the term functional illiteracy, because they say it is very negative. They want to focus on what skills people have got and how they can help them to improve those skills to function effectively both at work and in life in general.
What qualifications can functional illiterates get?
There are new national qualifications which are accepted by more and more employers instead of GCSEs.
How much does it all cost?
The Learning and Skills Council invests £600 million per year. Other organisations fund about the same yearly sum.
