According to the National Literacy Trust, 16% of Adults in the UK are considered to be “functionally illiterate”. With literacy levels falling across the country it is stated that 1 in 5 adults have difficulty reading and writing.

Adults with poor literacy skills are more likely to be unemployed or in low-paid jobs, putting the cost to the UK economy at £37 billion a year (World Literacy Foundation). Poor literacy skills have also been linked to shorter life expectancy, obesity and depression. A Study conducted by the National Literacy Trust found that a boy from Stockton-on-Tees, an area which has some of the most serious literacy issues in the country, had a life expectancy 26 years shorter than a boy from Oxford.

Social skills, confidence issues, the inability to help children with school work are all common issues with adults struggling with literacy. There is a sense of shame surrounding adults who feel they cannot read or write which can feel isolating.

English qualifications are vital to everyday life. Not only are they a minimum requirement for nearly all jobs in the UK, but they allow greater understanding of the world around you and can support you in nearly every day-to-day task.

Natalie Hickie is a parent to three children, the demands of home schooling highlighted issues with her own literacy skills. She decided to get help. She contacted The Job Gym, signing up to our English Functional Skills courses and within weeks, she had turned her life around. She now has the confidence in herself not only to help her children, but to pursue her own ambitions.

The Job Gym have trained over 15000 people for lasting and meaningful careers. Our English courses are delivered by highly skilled and qualified staff. Our facilities rated "Good" by Ofsted.

Find out more about our FREE English courses and take control of your future.