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Reading unpopular pastime for young people, new research reveals
30 Mar 2010
New National Literacy Trust findings from a major study of 17,089 pupils from 112 schools reveal that only half (50.6%) of young people enjoy reading very much or quite a lot[1].
The finding is published in a new report, Literacy: State of the Nation[2]; the first coherent picture of literacy in the UK today. With the recent budget, a date for the election soon to be announced and political parties in full campaigning mode, Literacy: State of the Nation reveals that the need to focus on literacy is greater than ever before.
Literacy: State of the Nation reveals that:
- One in six people in the UK struggle with literacy. This means their literacy is below the level expected of an eleven year old
- A quarter of young people do not recognise a link between reading and success
- Men and women with poor literacy are least likely to be in full-time employment at the age of thirty
However, the report does contain some good news
- 73% of parents and carers say their child often reads
- The number of children achieving the expected levels for reading at age eleven increased from 78% in 1999 to 86% in 2009
- The number of children achieving the expected levels for writing at age eleven increased from 54% to 67% in 2006, but this figure plateaued and remained the same (67%) three years later in 2009
Director of the National Literacy Trust Jonathan Douglas says:
“The fact that only half of the young people in our comprehensive study enjoy reading very much or quite a lot is extremely worrying. We believe this should be of great concern to all political parties as reading for pleasure helps to develop strong literacy skills and ultimately, supports academic and future success.
“The treasury estimated the cider tax will bring in £30m. For just a tenth of this money the government could establish which adults are most in need of literacy support and run a year long campaign to support children and adults who are struggling with literacy. The KPMG foundation estimates that poor literacy costs the economy 2.5bn a year. Over time targeted literacy interventions could save the economy billions that could be redirected to other services[3].
“After ten years of ongoing investment in literacy there has been a marked improvement and focus on literacy levels. However, the next government will need to rebuild our economy and increase opportunities for everyone which means literacy is now an even greater priority. This is why we have launched our Manifesto for Literacy[4].”
The National Literacy Trust is calling on every member of the public who has a passion for reading and literacy to Vote for Literacy and take action by pledging their support for the campaign online. On the campaign website you can also send a letter to your MP and take part in an online quiz to find out what political party you should vote for based on their literacy policies.
Vote for Literacy is being supported by a host of celebrities, including Andrew Motion, Bill Bailey, Alesha Dixon, John Le Carré and Kirsty Young.
Andrew Motion, poet, novelist, biographer and Poet Laureate from 1999 to 2009 says:
“I believe literacy matters because it is the key to the door of belonging - belonging to your self, your society and your world. In hard times such as we are now entering, when the risk of inequality will increase, literacy and its unlocking matter more than ever.”
Find out how you can take action today at www.literacytrust.org.uk/voteforliteracy
Ends
For further information or to arrange an interview with National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas please contact Anna Lindsay, National Literacy Trust Public Relations Officer on 0207 820 6256 or at Anna.Lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk
Notes to Editor
1. The full report on this major survey will be published in summer 2010.
2. Literacy: State of the Nation
Literacy State of the Nation provides a coherent picture of literacy in the UK today. The statistics included in Literacy: State of the Nation are taken from a wide range of reliable sources, including National Literacy Trust and Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) research. The report will be updated with new figures on a biannual basis.
You can find the full Literacy: State of the Nation report here: http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/state_of_the_nation
3. These costs are based on the estimated £2.368m cost of running a UK wide skills survey and the £640,000 to run a year long campaign. Full details can be found in the National Literacy Trust’s Manifesto for Literacy.
4. Manifesto for Literacy
The National Literacy Trust’s Manifesto for Literacy aims to influence the level and shape of political commitment to literacy in the run up to the General Election. The manifesto highlights key themes affecting literacy in the UK and makes specific recommendations pertaining to each. We believe that literacy is a tool for social mobility and want to ensure that the political parties do not default to treating literacy purely as a classroom issue. We are taking the manifesto to the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Conservatives to influence the shape of literacy policy for the 2010 election.
5. About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/About/donate.html
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842.
