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GoSkills Launches Report on Literacy, Numeracy and Communication Skills in the Passenger Transport sector

Press release: GoSkills

The 'Routes to success' report, which highlights the vital contribution of literacy, numeracy and communications skills in the passenger transport sector, was launched on November 13^th in conjunction with the Go For Excellence awards.

Vicki Ball, Director of Workforce Development, GoSkills said 'the report makes compelling reading as it demonstrates the importance of these skills to the passenger transport sector - and more importantly the impact of skills gaps and deficiencies in delivering effective transport operations and high quality customer service. Leading employers are already recognising and addressing skills gaps and the report demonstrates what can be achieved by taking action.'

The ability to read instructions, to pass on information through written reports or via conversations, to understand what numbers mean and to use computers with confidence to complete simple tasks are skills which form a basis for many workplace tasks. However, research commissioned by GoSkills reveals that nearly a quarter of companies in the passenger transport sector recognise that they employ staff who have gaps in their basic skills that may affect their performance in the workplace. The most striking skills gaps relate to the sector's drivers. Despite 91% of employers recognising that basic skills are important for drivers, over 70% of the workforce lack one or more of the basic skills with particular gaps in IT (79%) and communication (73%)

The true proportion of the workforce with basic skills gaps is likely to be greater than managers realise; staff often hide their problems from those they work with. The true costs to companies of these skills gaps are equally difficult to measure. However, the outcomes of basic skills gaps can affect company performance in many different ways; for example:

? Difficulties in communicating with customers can impact on customer service

? Delays in reports being completed or inaccuracies can impact on insurance claims

? Challenges around communication between staff and management can result in inefficiencies/ineffective use of resources

? Numeracy problems can lead to errors in invoicing/record keeping that have a financial impact on the company.

UK government statistics identify that the cost to both employers and employees is considerable. Poor literacy and numeracy skills result in a cost to UK industry of around £4.8bn per year. Employees with poor basic skills will earn, on average, 11% less than colleagues who have these skills.

This report draws on the outcomes of recent research by GoSkills to identify basic skills gaps and priorities in the passenger transport sector. It also provides examples of best practice and work already underway in the sector to address these critical skills gaps.

To view the report please visit http://www.goskills.org/download.php?fileid=2470

Briefing document (500 words) issued 18 Nov 2008

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