UK “must invest in digital skills like never before”, says technology coalition FutureDotNow

The UK must invest in workers’ digital skills “like never before” to remain competitive and productive, an organisation devoted to accelerating the nation’s digital capabilities has said.

In its first annual review, FutureDotNow has outlined how its work is progressing the skilling of employees in the workplace.

The organisation — a coalition of more than 100 companies including founders Accenture, BT, City of London Corporation, Good Things Foundation, Lloyds Banking Group, Nominet and PwC — was created in 2019 amid concerns about the estimated 17.1 million people who lack essential digital skills for work.

Estimated indicate that less than a quarter of the UK workforce has had any digital skills training from employers, and nine million people are unable to use the internet or their devices without assistance.

FutureDotNow, though its member companies, is attempting to speed up with pace at which workers become more competent at using technology through raising awareness, increasing motivation and offering access to training and devices. It also mobilised an emergency response during the lockdown to connect 10,000 people who needed to work from home.

Its review states: “As society moves more and more online; the sheer speed of digitisation is leaving many behind. This is damaging the UK’s competitiveness and productivity, and preventing individuals and businesses taking full advantage of digital technology.

“The UK has a thriving tech sector, but all businesses now require some digital expertise. Many businesses are struggling to recruit people with the digital skills they need. A 100% digitally included UK, with everyone equipped with and confident of their digital skills, would build a resilient economy and a levelled-up nation.

“Today millions of people can’t get online, don’t have the skills to make the most of being online and have no motive to change.”

Sir Peter Estlin, the chair of FutureDotNow, said the pace of digitalisation was “excluding millions of people without digital skills”.

“COVID-19 highlighted this even more, and while some have adapted, many have not,” he said. “As we recover, the UK must invest in digital skills like never before to remain competitive and productive and ensure we achieve a more inclusive society.”

He said that FutureDotCom’s members “are helping us reach the millions of people who are missing out on life and work opportunities through a lack of digital skills”.