The Science & Technology Committee has published a report warning that the UK risks being left behind if the Government does not take more action to address the digital skills crisis. 12.6m adults in the UK lack basic digital skills; 5.8m people have never used the internet; only 35% of computer teachers in schools have a relevant degree and 30% of the required number of computer science teachers have not been recruited. This digital skills gap is costing the UK economy £63bn a year in lost GDP.
The MPs question why the Government has taken so long to produce the long-promised 'Digital Strategy' and call for it to be published without further delay. The Committee warns that the Strategy needs to go further than merely listing cross-government digital activity, but present a vision for the future delivered by collaborative work from all involved—industry, educators and Government.
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