National seminar for numeracy-learning experts Thursday, June 3, 2010 - 09:57

Over ten years on from his report to the government on basic skills, A Fresh Start, Lord Moser participated in a NIACE-led, cross-organisational seminar on Thursday 3 June to explore why the progress in literacy and language learning for adults has not been matched in numeracy learning.

Chaired by Dame Mary Marsh, the seminar unanimously agreed that the current situation was unacceptable and, if the new Government's plan for a Big Society are to become a reality, then urgent steps need to be taken to engage more adults in numeracy learning.

The seminar was part of NIACE's national review into numeracy which is assessing the current situation - where about half of the working age population in England have very low numeracy skills - and how to create a more numerate society.

It gave experts in the numeracy-learning field the chance to contribute to the review - Numeracy Counts for Adults - and a final report will be published on Monday, 12 July 2010.

Lord Moser, whose landmark 1999 review of basic skills - A Fresh Start - led to the government's Skills for Life strategy, took part in the seminar; and Dame Mary Marsh, Director of the Clore Social Leadership Programme, was the Chair.

Lord Moser said:

"Adult numeracy remains one of the most crucial priorities for the government and, because of how it impacts on individuals, families, communities and the whole of society. This review is essential at a crucial time for the economy and the many challenges that lie ahead."

Dame Mary Marsh, said:

"In so many different ways we all have to make sense of numerical information every day. Those people who have never been given the right help to develop sufficient confidence and competence to do this, face many challenges and frustrations. I am pleased to Chair this important review of the action needed to ensure more people can gain these vital skills."

Sue Southwood, NIACE Programme Director for Numeracy, said:

"More than ten years on from the Moser report and despite the impressive successes of the Skills for Life strategy, improving the numeracy skills of adults still creates a particular challenge. While things are certainly moving in the right direction, this review will support key players to create the step change called for in Skills for Growth."

Strong numeracy skills not only benefit individual adults, but they have a positive effect on families, the society and the economy. Recent government research - Economic Impact of Training and Education in Basic Skills - illustrates the impact that adult numeracy can have on employment and earnings, stating that:

• adults who have good numeracy skills have higher earnings and better employment chances than adults with lower skills;

• people who improve their numeracy skills between the ages of 21 and 34 are more likely to own their own homes and to have savings, and are less likely to be on benefits; and

• there is evidence that acquiring numeracy skills in adulthood brings earnings and employment benefits, even though these benefits may be slow to come to adults who often have additional barriers to overcome.

Organisations and individuals were also invited to contribute to NIACE's review, by submitting their policy papers, research, and current practice.