William Eichler 12 May 2021

Experts call for action to be taken to tackle digital divide

Experts call for action to be taken to tackle digital divide image

Leading academics have called for urgent action to be taken to tackle the digital divide as research shows there are nine million adults in the UK who can’t use the internet without help.

A new study from the University of Manchester has revealed that as well as nine million adults unable to use the internet without support, there is a stark North/South divide, with 53% of people in the North East and 41% in the North West rarely or never using the internet compared to 35% in the South East.

On Digital Inequalities aims to identify the impacts of this digital divide on healthcare, education, employment, the economy and many other areas – as well as suggesting ways to address it.

The publication calls for a number of actions to be taken, including suppling free-to-use digital devices and internet access to those in need and increasing funding for support programmes to get people online.

‘Just as we’ve heard the Prime Minister’s roadmap for coming out of lockdown, we now need a roadmap for fixing the digital divide as a social and economic priority,’ said Helen Milner OBE, group chief executive of Good Things Foundation, who supplies the foreword in the publication.

‘No longer should people have to make the choice between data and food – we know from our community partners that some people have had to make this choice in the last year.

‘It’s time for the UK to have a truly inclusive digital strategy - we need an ambition for a levelled-up 100% digital-included nation, and sustainable solutions to data poverty.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner