Caroline Dinenage MP is hoping to break through the skills barrier and raise awareness of low levels of adult literacy and numeracy, as she chaired an event in the Houses of Parliament this afternoon.
In partnership with NIACE, Caroline brought together MPs and expert panellists from across the public and private sector; including Carol Taylor OBE (NIACE), Helen Casey (NRDC) and Iain Bogie (MacDonald's) to discuss issues surrounding poor adult literacy and numeracy and identify innovative ways to tackle this problem.
Speaking after the meeting Caroline said:
"A staggering one in six of the UK adult population are functionally illiterate and this has massive implications for the business and skills agenda. It also blocks people's ability to fulfil their potential and stifles aspiration and ambition.
I'm pleased that we've been able to get some key players around the table to discuss how to improve the conditions for adult learning - highlighting examples of best practice that could be rolled out elsewhere.
It's vital that we use this event as a springboard to push on from and raise the profile of this issue in Westminster. I will continue to raise concerns with Ministers and ensure it stays high on the Government's agenda."
