17 Sep 2024

techUK has signed the FutureDotNow Workforce Digital Skills Charter

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The Workforce Digital Skills Charter is being launched by FutureDotNow to unite employers around a joint mission to close the essential digital skills gap in the UK workforce. The Charter is a rallying cry for concerted action to close the essential digital skills gap in the UK workforce.

There is a hidden yet widespread lack of essential digital skills and confidence among working-age adults. Nearly 22 million adults are missing the digital essentials for work and risk being left behind. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation adds urgency, given the risk of major workforce displacement.

Over 100 cross-sector organisations, including major UK businesses like Accenture, Amey, Barclays, CIPD, Cisco, Lloyds Banking Group, M&S, Nationwide, Oliver Wyman, Nominet, PwC, Salesforce, and techUK, have signed the Charter. The coalition is calling on the government to support a ‘Great Digital Catch Up’ for working-age adults, to boost economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity for all.

Building a digitally capable workforce will secure and grow jobs, boost economic opportunities in all regions, and ensure the UK keeps pace with the world. Without action, the skills gap will widen, leaving many unable to access good jobs or essential public services. This will only be exacerbated by the predicted impact of AI and automation. This coalition of industry voices is now calling on the government to support a much-needed 'Great Digital Catch Up', to positively impact economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity for all.

Liz Williams MBE, CEO, FutureDotNow, says:

The world has become digital by default, and it is vital that we take action to help adults build strong digital foundations and confidence.

With millions of working-age adults lacking essential digital skills, the stakes and potential benefits of addressing this issue are enormous. A digitally fluent workforce will boost growth, productivity, and create new opportunities for all.

Many businesses are already leading the way, and the Workforce Digital Skills Charter represents a public commitment to take action, both individually and collectively, to build a future-fit, digitally confident workforce. Together, we can drive change at a greater pace and close the workforce digital skills gap for the benefit of us all.

Nimmi Patel

Nimmi Patel

Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity, techUK

Jake Wall

Jake Wall

Policy Manager, Skills and Future of Work, techUK

Oliver Alderson

Oliver Alderson

Policy and Public Affairs - Team Assistant, techUK