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Debate reveals education sector needs earlier and stronger engagement with business
25 Nov 2008
Business and education leaders debated literacy skills in the workplace today at independent charity, the National Literacy Trust’s policy breakfast, Bridging the literacy gap between education and business ( Tuesday 25 November, 2008).
Gail Rebuck, chief executive of Random House and National Literacy Trust trustee, led a discussion with representatives from corporates including UBS and law firm Slaughter and May, and speakers from education bodies including the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and St Matthew’s Academy, a school specialising in business and enterprise.
Attendees discussed the needs of employers and how education can best prepare students for literacy demands in the workplace.
There was a strong consensus for closer and more sustained partnerships between the sectors, particularly at earlier stages in education. It was felt that closer connections could enhance the understanding of business needs, as well as demonstrating to learners the wider relevance of literacy. Showing the relevance of skills could be a valuable tool for learner engagement.
Many attendees felt that speaking and listening skills in particular were crucial for effective employees and should not be neglected.
Jonathan Douglas, director, National Literacy Trust said:
“We were delighted at the level of commitment shown today to supporting literacy in the education and corporate sectors.
“It is clear that all literacy skills - reading, writing, speaking and listening - are crucial for today’s marketplace and the future success of the UK economy.
“Today’s debate emphasised the need for businesses to have a presence in our schools, and that this should not be limited to older students.”
Despite GCSE and A-Level results achieving an historic peak, the Leitch report on skills found the UK must urgently raise achievements at all levels of skills or risk falling behind OECD leaders in 2020. A recent study by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) revealed that 41 per cent of employers are concerned about their employees’ basic literacy skills.
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For more information please contact Fiona Lewis on 020 7820 6253 or 07786 807 312 or email fiona.lewis@literacytrust.org.uk
Notes to editors
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone. See www.literacytrust.org.uk
The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486, Registered office: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL.
About the 2008 National Year of Reading
The 2008 National Year of Reading is a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms. It will help to build a greater national passion for reading – for children, families and adult learners alike. The Year will encourage people to read in businesses, homes, and communities around the country, providing new opportunities to read and helping people to access help and support through schools and libraries. The 2008 National Year of Reading is being managed by the National Literacy Trust and lead partner The Reading Agency. See www.yearofreading.org.uk
About Gail Rebuck
Gail opened the discussion with a short presentation. Gail is chairman and chief executive of Random House Publishing Group UK and trustee of the National Literacy Trust. She was recently described by the Guardian as t he most powerful woman in UK publishing.
