40 per cent of managers don't know how to help a worker with literacy issues
The majority of working Canadians believe the current level of adult literacy is a problem, according to a new poll.
The poll of 1,022 workers, conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of ABC Canada Literacy Foundation, found 72 per cent of respondents believe the level of reading, writing and math skills among adults is a major or moderate problem. Another 26 per cent believe it is a "minor" problem, while just two per cent believe there is no problem at all.
Workers in Atlantic Canada (81 per cent) are most inclined to believe the levels of literacy in Canada are a problem, followed by those in Quebec (75 per cent), Alberta (75 per cent), Ontario (72 per cent), British Columbia (68 per cent) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (63 per cent).
The survey also polled 309 managers and executives working in the private sector and found nearly one-half of managers would not know how to help if a worker approached them with concerns of low literacy.
More specifically, 40 per cent "disagree" that if one of their employees told them he had challenges with low reading, writing or math skills, their company could quickly get him the help he needs. Another 42 per cent only "somewhat agree" with this sentiment, while just 18 per cent "strongly agree."
The poll also found 79 per cent of workers "strongly agree" they possess the necessary literacy skills to secure a new job if they lose their current employment. Demonstrating less confidence, 16 per cent "somewhat agree" they have these skills, while five per cent "disagree."
Atlantic Canadians (86 per cent) and Quebecers (85 per cent) are most likely to "strongly agree" they possess the necessary literacy skills to secure a new job if they had to, while smaller proportions in Ontario (77 per cent), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (77 per cent), Alberta (77 per cent) and British Columbia (75 per cent) strongly agree.
