techUK has signed the FutureDotNow Workforce Digital Skills Charter
The Workforce Digital Skills Charter is being launched by FutureDotNow to unite employers around a joint mission to close the essential digital skills gap in the UK workforce. The Charter is a rallying cry for concerted action to close the essential digital skills gap in the UK workforce.
There is a hidden yet widespread lack of essential digital skills and confidence among working-age adults. Nearly 22 million adults are missing the digital essentials for work and risk being left behind. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation adds urgency, given the risk of major workforce displacement.
Over 100 cross-sector organisations, including major UK businesses like Accenture, Amey, Barclays, CIPD, Cisco, Lloyds Banking Group, M&S, Nationwide, Oliver Wyman, Nominet, PwC, Salesforce, and techUK, have signed the Charter. The coalition is calling on the government to support a ‘Great Digital Catch Up’ for working-age adults, to boost economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity for all.
Building a digitally capable workforce will secure and grow jobs, boost economic opportunities in all regions, and ensure the UK keeps pace with the world. Without action, the skills gap will widen, leaving many unable to access good jobs or essential public services. This will only be exacerbated by the predicted impact of AI and automation. This coalition of industry voices is now calling on the government to support a much-needed 'Great Digital Catch Up', to positively impact economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity for all.
Liz Williams MBE, CEO, FutureDotNow, says:
The world has become digital by default, and it is vital that we take action to help adults build strong digital foundations and confidence.
With millions of working-age adults lacking essential digital skills, the stakes and potential benefits of addressing this issue are enormous. A digitally fluent workforce will boost growth, productivity, and create new opportunities for all.
Many businesses are already leading the way, and the Workforce Digital Skills Charter represents a public commitment to take action, both individually and collectively, to build a future-fit, digitally confident workforce. Together, we can drive change at a greater pace and close the workforce digital skills gap for the benefit of us all.
Nimmi Patel
Nimmi Patel
Nimmi Patel is the Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She is currently taking part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07805744520
- Twitter:
- @nimmiptl
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimmi-patel1/
Jake Wall
Jake Wall
Jake has been the Policy Manager for Skills and Future of Work since May 2022, supporting techUK's work to empower the UK to skill, attract and retain the brightest global talent, and prepare for the digital transformations of the future workplace.
Previously, Jake was the Programme Assistant for Policy. He joined techUK in March 2019 and has also worked across the EU Exit, International Trade, and Cloud, Data Analytics and AI programmes.
He also holds an MA in International Relations from the University of Sussex, as well as a BA(Hons) in International Politics from Aberystwyth University. During his time at Aberystwyth University, he won the International Politics Dissertation Prize.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Twitter:
- @jww_tech,@jww_tech
- Website:
- www.techuk.org,https://www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwwuk,https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwwuk
Oliver Alderson
Oliver Alderson
Oliver is the team assistant for the Policy and Public Affairs teams, joining techUK in November of 2023. He assists the teams admistrative support, communication, and event production.
Prior to working at techUK, Oliver studied at Swansea and Bristol universities, attaining a masters in Policy Research. During this time he competed in debating competitions around the country where he discussed and deliberated various policy issues. Between his studies Oliver acted as a student assistant in mental health research for the SMaRteN student network.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07505 890 596
- LinkedIn:
- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/oliver-alderson-a51312180