Melanie Richards, deputy chair KPMG UK and founding business supporter of National Numeracy Day, said: “We’re incredibly proud that the first UK National Numeracy Day helped start a much-needed conversation about the importance of numeracy skills. We know that better confidence and greater ability with numbers can unlock significant value for individuals, businesses and the UK economy. It is vital that the business community continue to work together this year to build momentum on this critical issue.”
For a second year running, National Numeracy’s strategic partner, TP ICAP, the world’s largest interdealer broker, is pledging its support of National Numeracy Day and has urged other businesses to do the same.
Rebecca Shelley, Group Head of Corporate Affairs at TP ICAP, said: “Numeracy is an essential skill for everyone who works at TP ICAP and we are delighted to be supporting National Numeracy Day for a second year. Low levels of numeracy are linked to unemployment, low wages and even poor health. Through our support so far, we have seen the way empowering people with better numeracy changes lives for the better, contributes to less stressful daily living, and gives people the confidence to use numbers to get ahead in life. Collectively there’s potential for us to go so much further.”
As well as TP ICAP, organisations including Santander, Experian, NHS Health Education England, Provident Financial Group, UfI Charitable Trust, Education Scotland and the Scottish Government, have already joined founding supporter KPMG as lead supporters, with many more looking to sign-up. The campaign will also receive high profile backing from Martin Lewis, Bobby Seagull, Andy Haldane and Rachel Riley.
Mike Ellicock, Chief Executive of National Numeracy, said: “The fantastic support we received for National Numeracy Day last year showed us that there is a real appetite for change when it comes to tackling the nation’s negative attitudes towards maths and numbers. Although tackling a long-standing anxiety around numeracy can seem daunting, there are simple steps that everyone can take to improve, and businesses have a fundamental role to play in helping us achieve this.”
Organisations are encouraged to get involved with National Numeracy Day in three ways:
• Encouraging employees, suppliers and customers to take the National Numeracy Challenge, the free online numeracy assessment tool.
• Commit to supporting staff with numeracy skills, as part of either learning & development or training programmes.
• Find out more about taking part in the day and access further free resources from the National Numeracy Day website.
