This literature review is intended to inform a work programme on lifting the literacy, language and numeracy (LLN) skills of the workforce. The work programme will include a plan of action and an accompanying evaluation strategy, and provide research evidence to inform the design of a wider strategy to upskill the workforce at the low-skilled end. The literature review is in two parts.
The report draws on New Zealand and international literature.
Part I addresses two main research questions:
1. What is the role of government in encouraging employers to engage in skill development?
2. What are the barriers that exist for employers to investing in training to lift literacy, language and numeracy skills?
Part II considers six research questions:
1. What are the links between lifting LLN skills of the workforce (both employed and unemployed who are seeking work) and productivity, and the drivers of productivity?
2. What are other benefits of lifting LLN skills to employers and employees/individuals?
3. What are the risks and/or unintended consequences of lifting literacy, language and numeracy skills of the workforce (both employed and unemployed who are seeking work)?
4. What are examples of evaluations undertaken on initiatives to lift literacy, language and numeracy skills?
5. What is the role of government, unions and other stakeholders in enhancing LLN skills of the workforce?
6. What industries have major issues of employees not having the LLN skills necessary to be competent in their jobs?
Literature was obtained:
• through the internet and, in particular, through the Literacy Portal on the Workbase website
• from a search undertaken by the Department of Labour Information Service
• from colleagues working in the area
• from policy staff in relevant government agencies.