Scottish Government

(ii) KEY MESSAGES

• 39% of men and 36% of women in the survey had literacy abilities at a level likely to impact on their employment opportunities and life chances. In the case of numeracy, this is even more widespread with 65% of men and 77% of women experiencing difficulties.
• Few adults have an awareness of their own literacy and numeracy needs. (Reading, 4%; writing, 18%; number, 7%)
• In comparison to the high number of adults expressing a wish to improve their literacy and numeracy skills, there was a relatively small number who had actually participated in literacies programmes. This suggests a need to explore the reasons for non-take-up, to increase literacies learning opportunities and create innovative ways of engaging with potential learners.
• Adults with low levels of literacy and numeracy tend to come from relatively disadvantaged backgrounds, where cycles of low expectation and low skills acquisition tend to be prevalent across the generations. Family background, rather than school attended, appears to have a stronger impact on literacy and numeracy development.
• Adults with limited literacy and numeracy skills tend to have unstable working lives and therefore may be excluded from Scotland's economic success. They are also at risk of being digitally excluded.
• Generally, these adults are more likely to be living in overcrowded, rented housing and to feel disengaged from their local community; they are likely to be receiving state benefits and they are also the least likely to vote. Women with low levels of literacy and numeracy are the most likely to have been homeless at some stage.
• Low levels of numeracy and literacy are associated with poor health and mental well-being.