Global assistive technology company, Texthelp, has unveiled new research highlighting the scale and impact that literacy challenges are having on the UK population including London.

Over a fifth of London adults (24%) have admitted to having spelling difficulties whist at school. The data showed that UK adults struggle to identify the correct spelling of certain common words. Ironically 35 % of Londoners thought ‘Mispelt’ is correct (correct spelling ‘Misspelt), with just 3 in 5 (60 %) thinking ‘Harrass’ was the correct spelling (correct spelling ”Harass’).

Having any literacy difficulties can feed into people’s everyday life.
24% of London respondents said that they find it challenging understanding terms and conditions of applications and contracts.
A fifth also admit to finding it tricky reading and filling out lengthy forms, such as medical, insurance or travel forms.
One in ten did not feel confident helping children with their writing.
For people in London who find at least one of these everyday situations difficult, the most common feelings they experience is frustration. For example almost a third (31%) admitted to feeling frustrated when they experience difficulties to reading and filling out lengthy forms

Launched during British Dyslexia Awareness Month (October 2022), the new study by Censuswide, commissioned by Texthelp, surveyed over 2,000 UK adults across the countrywhich included respondents from London.

Martin McKay, Founder and CEO at Texthelp said: “By carrying out this research, we have found out more about how adults in the UK [including London] feel about literacy challenges. We have learned how these barriers impact people every day. We are continuing to provide new products in education and will ensure words won’t hold people back. We are helping in both education and in the workplace. We are committed to helping everyone understand and be understood by providing a suite of literacy and numeracy tools to more people across the globe.”

British TV actor and ‘Derry Girls’ star, Dylan Llewellyn has dyslexia and says that some everyday tasks can be difficult for him.
Dylan said, “Being severely dyslexic meant I found school challenging and was often behind with my classwork. I struggled at mainstream school but as soon as I went to a specialist school it did help me grow in confidence and develop learning techniques.”

“Acting with dyslexia has thrown up some challenges, for example, if I have to learn a script quickly then this can be difficult to do. Reading and writing is a part of everyone’s lives, so it’s important that there is support for everybody, not just pupils with dyslexia who attend a specialist school.”

The report forms part of a broader campaign titled “Words Can’t Hold Us Back”, which has been launched to raise awareness of the scale of literacy challenges in the UK, while highlighting the solutions available for Brits to overcome these barriers.