A lack of the Three Rs can be bad for the York and North Yorkshire economy, says DAVID HARBOURNE, director of the Learning and Skills Council North Yorkshire.

It is a frightening fact that poor literacy, numeracy and language Skills For Life cost British industry, and the economy overall, a staggering £10 billion each year.

An estimated 3.5 million working adults have Skills For Life needs - that is one-in-seven people in employment. No sector or region of the country is unaffected. This learning epidemic cuts through every industry and trade in every village, town and city in the country.

Having a workforce "skilled up" in literacy, numeracy and language skills has countless benefits for the employers, including higher productivity, better communications, and employees who are more prepared to take on extra responsibility.

The future prosperity of the York and North Yorkshire economy is intrinsically linked to the skills and aspirations of its people and businesses, and I am proud of the role the Learning and Skills Council is playing in tackling Skills For Life training needs.

For example, this month local colleges and training providers attended a Skills for Life Drop In Day at York racecourse. This event showcased technologies and opportunities for colleges and training providers to develop ways of helping businesses beat poor literacy, numeracy and language skills in the workplace.

Poor skills are simply too damaging to the productivity of the UK economy to ignore any longer.

If you would like more information on improving your employees' literacy, numeracy or language skills, give Business Link York and North Yorkshire Information Centre a call on 01904 686000.

Updated: 11:38 Tuesday, March 22, 2005