New research from Good Things Foundation has uncovered a surprising digital divide in London, with almost one in five (17%) of residents lacking broadband access at home – higher than the national average of 11%. This lack of access is exacerbating a citywide lack of confidence when it comes to using the internet to manage money, navigate the job market, and stay safe online amid the cost-of-living crisis.

In response, Good Things Foundation is urging Londoners to refer friends and family facing digital exclusion to its pioneering Learn My Way courses, aimed at bridging this gap and empowering individuals with essential digital skills. The call comes ahead of Get Online Week (14-20 October), in a drive to help the capital’s share of the 8.5 million people nationwide who lack the most basic digital skills.

Managing money online a challenge for many Londoners

One in 7 (14%) Londoners are not confident using the internet for banking and managing their finances, according to new research being released today by Good Things Foundation. This lack of confidence means that they are missing out on valuable time savings, with 83% of respondents in the capital agreeing that online banking saves them time.

More than half (57%) of London residents with broadband access at home look for coupons and savings deals online, above the national average of 55%. As a result, online shoppers in London are saving £3.76 per purchase compared to shopping in-person.

Lack of digital skills hampers employment prospects

The research showed that nearly a quarter (23%) of Londoners are not confident using the internet to compete in the job market. This is despite 64% stating that if they were to look for a job, they’d start online – significantly higher than the national average of 59% and one of the highest percentages among all regions surveyed.

When at work, 16% stated that they don’t feel confident using the web to advance their careers, despite an overwhelming 91% considering good digital skills to be important for their job.

Interestingly, the rise of remote work is perceived more positively in London than elsewhere. Over half (58%) of workers in the capital believe that the rise in remote working has expanded job opportunities, significantly higher than the national average of 44% and the highest percentage among all regions studied.

Struggles with staying safe in the digital world

The findings also revealed a concerning gap in online safety confidence, with 18% of Londoners not feeling confident in their ability to stay safe and secure online.

Three in five Londoners (60%) worry about the security of their personal details online, while a third (32%) feel they frequently encounter online scams – more than any other region surveyed. Almost one in ten (7%) are unable to even identify an online scam, putting them in a potentially vulnerable position.

Helen Milner, OBE, Group Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation, comments: “These findings underscore the urgent need to fix the digital divide in the UK. As the cost-of-living crisis continues, digital skills are more than just convenient – they are the foundation for full participation in society, enabling people to manage finances, find employment, and stay safe online. We’re calling on the public to help us reach those who need support by referring friends and family to our free Learn My Way courses.”

With the clear benefits of digital skills in shopping, banking, job hunting, and staying safe online, it’s crucial that all Brits have access to digital skills training. While 17% of Londoners are aware of Good Things Foundation – higher than anywhere else in the country – there is still room for improvement in awareness of charities that can support them in developing these essential digital skills.

Good Things Foundation is highlighting these issues ahead of Get Online Week, which runs from 14th – 20th October. During the national campaign, hundreds of community organisations across the UK will be holding events to help people improve their digital skills.

The charity is also calling on the public to refer friends and family facing digital barriers to the free Learn My Way courses. Learn My Way is a free online platform that helps people gain basic digital skills and build confidence in using the internet. It is a key component of the National Digital Inclusion Network, which comprises over 5,000 organisations supporting their local communities with digital inclusion.

The Learn My Way platform offers free courses addressing London’s key challenges, including “Employment and work” to help Londoners leverage the capital’s high rate of online job hunting, and “Managing your money online” to boost confidence in digital banking and financial management.