Lifelong Learn. 2015, 5, 58-72
The Importance of Functional Literacy in Relation to Changes in the Labor Market
The technological development and the gradual transformation of the labour market in the global economy put increasing emphasis on the development of adults’ functional literacy. Number of jobs for people with basic education in the EU gradually declines in favour of jobs that require higher qualification. It is, however, characterized by higher demands for competencies and practical skills. Importance of functional literacy in global society is growing not only in terms of working life, but also through social inclusion and social roles. Our society is being digitized therefore work with text and basic maths operations becomes routine, regardless of the level of education or profession of the employee. Good level of functional literacy opens the door not only to higher work efficiency, but also to better employment. The international literacy research focused on the functional literacy of adults imply that specific groups of adults lack these skills and they can be at risk in the labour market and also in their life in the modern society.
Keywords
labour market, qualification, adult education, functional literacy.
