Member Article

Yorkshire and Humber residents need digital boost

More than half (55%) of Yorkshire and Humber residents lack the full essential digital skills set required for the modern workplace, according to the latest Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index. The study found that some of the region’s residents are unable to use digital skills to problem solve, communicate or operate safely online when required in the workplace.

Outside of the workplace, almost one in five (17%) lack the full essential digital skills they need, meaning they struggle with tasks like changing settings on a device (13%), finding and opening applications (12%) and connecting to WIFI (12%). Over one in ten (13%) had little or no digital skills and classified themselves as ‘digitally disengaged’.

The research found that a third (34%) of residents lack confidence in their digital skills – significantly more than the national average of 27% – and a further 9% of people in the region are completely offline – meaning they risk missing out on benefits like better work prospects, improved communication with friends and family and financial savings.

Of those not online, 77% say it’s because they worry about their privacy and security.

Russell Galley, Lloyds Banking Group’s Ambassador for Yorkshire & the Humber, said: “Digital skills are becoming increasingly important for individuals, businesses and charities.

“While it’s heartening that many residents have the digital skills required for everyday life its clear that many still lack the essential digital skills required by employers. To help everyone across the region to develop their digital capabilities we’re delivering training to individuals, small businesses, charities and schools to equip people with the skills that will enable Yorkshire & the Humber to prosper.”

Workers with digital skills earn more

Nationally, the study found that those workers with digital skills earn on average £12,500 more per year than those without.

Despite the lack of skills and increasing demand from employers, almost two thirds (63%) of workers have not received any digital skills training from their employer – including more than half (54%) of those in managerial roles and almost three quarters (71%) of manual workers.

Those working in manufacturing have the lowest level of digital skills (36%) compared to 80% in the finance, insurance and property sectors according to the report.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tim Roth .