Member Article

Internet users rise in Greater Manchester

Online businesses in Greater Manchester can be optimistic after the number of adults using the internet in the conurbation increased.

Over the past two years 137,000 more adults in Greater Manchester have been on the internet, according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The region is still behind other areas however, with only 86.5% of adults having been online, in comparison with 91% in Inner London.

Greater Manchester fares better than West Wales and the Valley, however, where 80% of adults have been on the internet.

The latest figures showed more people with lower earnings are going online, with 94% of adults earning less than £200 a week using the internet in comparison to 91% in 2011.

Single people are also much more likely to have been online than people who are married or in a civil partnership, with a difference of nearly 9%.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the increase in users in Greater Manchester is “encouraging news” for businesses who need online customers or employees with digital skills.

The Government will also reap the benefits of this rise in internet users by putting services online.

Helen Milner, chief executive of UK Online Centres, said: “There are still millions of people that are either not online or who don’t have the skills to take advantage of all the internet can offer - including being able to claim benefits online.”

The Government hopes that by introducing online services such as the newly instated Universal Credit, more people will be encouraged to manage their benefits online.

Ms Milner added: “The introduction of Universal Credit could offer a huge opportunity for individuals in the North West to improve their skills so they can take advantage of saving money, staying in touch with friends and family, the opportunity to learn and much more - as well as being able to claim and manage their benefits.

“There are hundreds of local places across the North West where people can find the help and support they need to improve their computer and internet skills, and I hope the introduction of Universal Credit will encourage people in the area to discover all that the internet can offer.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .