Law Firm Marks One Year As a Signatory As Businesses Continue To Tackle UK Literacy Challenge

Irwin Mitchell has signed the Vision for Literacy Business Pledge 2024, joining more than 100 businesses across the UK committed to supporting the drive to improve literacy standards.

The pledge was created by the National Literacy Trust, one of Irwin Mitchell’s charity partners, who work with business, schools, other charities, and government to prioritise literacy skills in the community and ensure young people have the support they need to flourish.

Literacy skills remain an essential part of the education mix and without them, children and adults can be prevented from reaching their full potential. Without sound literacy skills, children find learning at school a challenge and as adults, can find it harder to secure employment.

Those signing the Literacy Business Pledge commit to working with schools and local communities to change the outlook for many people confronting the challenges posed by their literacy skills, and support those who need help most.

Figures from the National Literacy Trust reveal that 16.4% of adults or 7.1 million people in England have ‘very poor literacy skills’: while 1 in 4 in Scotland experience challenges due to a lack of literacy.

Among children, 30% of five-year-olds are falling behind their expected literacy levels, which is estimated to be costing the economy £830m every year. Research from Pro Bono Economics in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust and KPMG UK found this adds up to a £5,300 loss in potential earnings per child over their lifetime.

Kate Fergusson is Head of Responsible Business at Irwin Mitchell

Expert Opinion

“In signing the Literacy Business Pledge again this year, we’re committed to building on work undertaken over the last year to support our local communities by playing our part in improving literacy skills and educational outcomes for children and young people.” Kate Fergusson - Head of Responsible Business

Launched in 1993, The National Literacy Trust aims to transform lives through literacy and is dedicated to raising literacy levels across the UK, working with schools and local communities.

Literacy is a vital element of action against poverty and improving reading and writing boosts life chances and employability – ultimately enabling children to reach their full potential.

https://literacytrust.org.uk/policy-and-campaigns/businesspledge/