Numeracy can boost productivity and well-being – businesses urged to find out more

Staffordshire businesses can help shape a fully funded support programme for their staff to increase numeracy skills and boost productivity through a new survey.

The county council will soon be launching its Multiply programme to support people in developing their numeracy skills, whatever their profession or age.

In the West Midlands nearly a third of employers with skill-shortage vacancies identified basic numeracy skills as difficult to obtain from applicants.

Sectors where employers feel that basic numeracy skills need improving included hospitality, logistics, wholesale, retail and construction.

Business leaders can fill in the survey at: https://bit.ly/NumeracySkillsForWork

Multiply is a national programme to boost adult numeracy skills leading to better job prospects and improved day-to-day living. It will launch in Staffordshire this autumn.

The county council secured £4.2million by the Government as part of the £570million scheme. It is a three-year fully funded programme, giving people the opportunity to learn when and where they want.

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:

“We need to know what businesses needs are in terms of improving literacy of their employees to help shape our Multiply programme.

 

“We secured a significant amount of funding to run the Multiply scheme here in Staffordshire and we’re looking forward to launching it in the autumn.

 

“Improving your numeracy skills can help in everyday life, whether at work, managing household finances or helping children with their homework. It can also help career prospects, whatever your line of work.

“We’ll shortly be announcing more details of the programme in Staffordshire and would urge people to get in touch to find out more.”

The county council will announce more details of the programme and how to get involved in the coming weeks. It will be accessed through a new digital numeracy platform and local courses.

Fill in the survey and have your say: https://bit.ly/NumeracySkillsForWork