Signal 7.5 million UK adults lack essential digital skills for work

Summary

The report identifies digital literacy as a key issue, stating that some 7.5 million people, or 18% of UK adults, lack the essential digital skills needed at work. As digitisation, artificial intelligence and the move to net zero rapidly reshape the economy, some workers' skills are becoming obsolete, which makes this gap more costly. The report expects that wider adoption of complex technology in the UK could further expose existing skills mismatches and digital literacy problems. Its chapter on emerging financial systems also warns that weak digital literacy in businesses and regulators could hinder the use of blockchain technology. The report foresees AI-powered tutoring helping people of all ages retrain and widening opportunity.