New iRead4Skills Policy Brief Highlights the Impact of Literacy on Employment
The iRead4Skills project has released a new Policy Brief focusing on the importance of reading skills for lifelong learning and employability. The report, based on surveys conducted in Portugal, Spain, and French-speaking countries, reveals how literacy challenges affect daily life, professional opportunities, and digital inclusion.
Low Literacy Affects Employment and Confidence
The study found that 70% of participants felt more self-confident after improving their reading skills, and 65%reported feeling better prepared for the job market. However, many adults still struggle to understand complex documents, including rental contracts and medical leaflets, highlighting the need for clearer communication in essential services.
Key Policy Recommendations
The Policy Brief proposes several measures to improve literacy support:
- Simplifying public documents through plain language initiatives.
- Creating real-world learning materials tailored to adults’ daily needs.
- Training adult educators (AL/VET) in digital literacy tools to enhance reading support.
The findings reinforce the need for stronger literacy policies that connect reading skills with digital and employment opportunities, ensuring a more inclusive society.
🔗 Read the full Policy Brief here: https://zenodo.org/records/14936989
