A new interactive map showing local-level data on essential skills needs in England is now available. The skills map provides indicative numbers of 16–64 year olds with low literacy or numeracy in local areas.
To produce the map, the Learning and Work Institute conducted an England-wide modelling exercise of adults aged 16 to 64. They identified disparities in essential skills levels within local areas which are far greater than those between local and combined authorities across the country. Some key findings include:
- London has the third lowest percentage of people with essential skills needs among the combined authorities; it is also home to 10 of the 20 wards with the highest essential skills needs.
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority, which has the third highest percentage of essential skills needs amongst the combined authorities, includes 6 of the 20 wards in England with the lowest percentage of essential skills needs nationally.
- While just two percentage points separate essential skills needs between Tees Valley (25%) and the West of England (23%), the regions with the highest and lowest needs in England, a gap of 16 percentage points separates York (23%) from its Heslington ward (39%).
Read the Skills for Life Strategy 2021 – 2031
