A major report issued by the charity Literacy100 has identified several key issues that need to be addressed if adult literacy is to be improved in the UK.

The report paints a stark picture of the number of adults who cannot read and write, with nine million in the UK having low literacy and or numeracy and five million having both.

Among adults affected by homelessness, one in two are estimated to have inadequate reading or writing skills. They often have multiple needs, and a high percentage suffer from the effects of trauma. Unhappy childhood experiences often deter people from re-engaging with formal education.

This impacts housing security, job opportunities, education, health, family relationships and social participation. It incurs economic costs to the country from lower employment and increased demand on benefit and welfare systems.

Literacy100 was the brainchild of Julia Olisa, who said: “I set up the charity to campaign for recognition of these issues and to promote a more organised approach to change.”

She added: “Some organisations in the homelessness, education and charitable sectors have tried to address the problem, but there hasn’t been an agreed road map or any co-ordination. Literacy100 decided to tackle this by harnessing cross-sector expertise. We are confident that the resulting report and Charter for action will make a substantial contribution to solving this problem.”

Julia said: “Specifically, the Charter asks for organisational commitment across the homelessness sector to identify and address poor literacy. From there, creative approaches are important to encourage potential learners through the doors of literacy providers. The Charter recommends increased trauma awareness training for educators, and a focus on people with the greatest learning needs.

“We also highlight alternative opportunities for literacy development provided by charities and libraries, and underline the role of digital technology in supporting reading and writing. A new national policy to define a core literacy curriculum for adult learners is overdue. But to achieve this, we urgently need more research into adult literacy development and effective teaching methods.”

Julia said: “The specific issues around literacy learning for adults affected by homelessness have long been recognised but never before comprehensively addressed. Literacy100 is challenging the status quo. By responding to the Charter, organisations will signal their intention to end the marginalisation of so many disadvantaged adults. Opportunities will be opened up, and lives will be enriched immeasurably.”

Lord John Bird, founder of the Big Issue, who spoke at the event, sees literacy as a crucial factor in preventing poverty.

Julia said: “People gain independence through literacy, and this is a restoration of their dignity.”