Hull adults struggle most with maths, study finds

Summarised from BBC Humberside's report · Updated 4 Nov, 17:11 · Archive

Hull has the lowest numeracy confidence and skills of any UK local authority area, according to research by the National Numeracy charity.

A numeracy charity has found that Hull has the lowest overall numeracy confidence and skills of all 379 UK local authority areas. National Numeracy compiled its figures after 31,000 people rated their maths skills and completed an online numeracy test, with a credit rating agency providing data on age, gender, affluence levels and employment status.

The research identified a north-south divide in maths skills across the country. The charity said poor numeracy could leave people more vulnerable to debt, unemployment, poor health and fraud. Sam Sims, National Numeracy's chief executive, said: "Where you live should never determine your opportunity to thrive with numbers." He called for greater investment in communities most in need and urged employers, education providers, charities and community organisations to work together to provide support.

Ian Thompson, who runs a business teaching maths to adults and children in Hull, described the report as disappointing but said he did not think it reflected negatively on local people. He noted that for many adults, maths was associated with anxiety and lack of confidence stemming from many years ago.

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• Hull adults struggle most with maths, study findsThe city is rated the lowest out of all UK local authority areas, according to National Numeracy.BBC Humberside · 4 Nov, 16:11

In this story: Hull · National Numeracy · Sam Sims · Ian Thompson · UK

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