A recently set-up charity, National Numeracy, has said that the low level of numeracy skills in the UK is harming the country’s economy. The charity claims that poor numeracy skills is a hindrance to people finding work and to individuals’ understanding of bills, receipts and train timetables.
Figures published by the Government show that close to half of the country’s population have only primary school-level knowledge of maths. National Numeracy said that poor understanding of maths increases the risk of social exclusion and criminality.
The charity said that a part of the problem is that for many English it is a “badge of honour” to proclaim that they can’t do maths, which is something that is not witnessed in other countries.
Chris Humphries, the Chairman of National Numeracy and former Chief Executive of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, said that more needs to be done to combat poor numeracy skills.
“It is simply inexcusable for anyone to say 'I can't do maths'. It is a peculiarly British disease which we aim to eradicate. It doesn't happen in other parts of the world. With encouragement and good teaching, everyone can improve their numeracy.”
He said that a high prevalence of low numeracy skills was not only damaging for individuals themselves but also to society as a whole. “We are paying for this in our science, technology and engineering industries but also in people's own ability to earn funds and manage their lives.”
A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said that they envisioned a part of the solution being teaching maths for more years. “We want the vast majority of young people to study maths up to 18 within a decade to meet the growing demand for employees with high level and intermediate maths skills.
“We are undertaking a root-and-branch review of how maths is taught in schools, attracting the best maths graduates into the profession.”
In a time when employees need to stand out as much as they can to employers and show skills in diverse fields it is no wonder that low numeracy skills are a cause of concern for politicians. The UK economy is still in a vulnerable state and many are unemployed, especially youths.
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