49% of England lacks essential literacy skills for daily life.

The OECD Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) is an international assessment that evaluates adults' proficiency in key information-processing skills such as literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. This survey provides a comprehensive picture of how well adults can manage everyday tasks that require these core skills. The latest edition of the survey was released recently, and the findings for adults in England are deeply concerning.

The data reveals that a significant portion of the adult population in England struggles with basic literacy, limiting their ability to thrive in daily life and the workplace. Despite ongoing efforts to improve literacy, the report suggests that outcomes have stagnated and, in some cases, worsened, particularly for those with the lowest skill levels.

What does the data show?

Recent data on literacy levels in England paints a worrying picture. According to the latest assessments:

• 6% of adults scored below Level 1

• 11.5% scored at Level 1

• 31.6% scored at Level 2

• 36.6% scored at Level 3

• 13.2% scored at Level 4

• 1.1% scored at Level 5

These levels correspond to real-world literacy capabilities:

• Below Level 1: Individuals may struggle to read simple texts, like basic instructions or forms.

• Level 1: Basic understanding of simple texts, but difficulties arise with more complex documents.

• Level 2: Functional literacy for straightforward tasks, but limited ability to process more detailed or technical information.

• Level 3: Considered the minimum level required to cope with the demands of everyday life and work.

• Levels 4 & 5: Higher-order literacy skills, including advanced analysis and interpretation of complex texts.

Alarmingly, 49% of English adults score below Level 3—the threshold required to navigate daily life and work successfully. This figure is equivalent to over 21 million people and mirrors findings from the previous edition of the report, suggesting stagnation in literacy outcomes over time.

Even more concerning is that 17.5% of adults—around 6.6 million people—are at or below Level 1, meaning they have very poor literacy skills. This represents a substantial increase compared to previous assessments, raising urgent questions about how to address the country’s literacy challenges.

What are the consequences of poor literacy skills?

Reading is a foundational skill that underpins nearly every aspect of modern life—whether it’s understanding public notices, following medical instructions, or engaging with work-related tasks. Poor literacy skills can create significant barriers to employment, education, and even health.

1. Employment and Economic Impact

Adults with poor literacy skills are significantly more likely to be unemployed or to struggle with reading-based tasks in the workplace. A 2017 survey revealed that one-third of businesses were dissatisfied with the basic literacy skills of their young applicants. Furthermore, individuals with poor literacy skills earn, on average, £1,500 less per year than their peers with a basic literacy level, limiting their career progression and overall economic stability.

2. Accessing Vital Services

The consequences extend beyond the workplace. During a recent BBC Radio 4 interview, Alice Wiseman, Director of Public Health for Newcastle and Gateshead, highlighted a troubling trend: Adults with low literacy levels struggle to read medical letters and access essential healthcare services. This literacy gap directly affects health outcomes, as individuals may miss important medical information or fail to seek help when needed.

How can reading aloud using ASR help improve reading skills?

One innovative solution to addressing the literacy crisis lies in the use of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology. Auris Tech’s research paper, "Reading Aloud Using Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) to Improve Children’s Reading," outlines how this technology can support literacy development for both children and adults.

1. Real-Time Feedback

ASR technology enables users to read aloud and receive instant feedback on pronunciation, fluency, and accuracy. This allows learners to identify and correct mistakes in real-time, reinforcing correct reading habits and improving comprehension over time.

2. Personalised Learning Journeys

By tracking a reader's progress, ASR systems can offer customised reading experiences tailored to individual needs. This is particularly beneficial for adults returning to education, providing non-judgemental, at-home practice opportunities.

3. Bridging the Digital Divide

With increasing digital access, ASR platforms like Fonetti offer scalable solutions that can be deployed across educational settings and community programs. By making literacy support more accessible, ASR technology has the potential to bridge gaps for those at risk of falling behind.

The data is clear: improving literacy outcomes is not just a matter of educational policy—it is a societal imperative. With the right tools, such as ASR-driven platforms, we can empower millions of adults and children to develop the reading skills they need to thrive in everyday life.