A recent research by Virgin Media O2, revealed that over five million Brits are unable to wrap their heads around simple online tasks like sending an email or using the internet, thus costing UK workers £5.69 billion and the economy £12.8 billion, due to lack of digital skills.

The research showed that a quarter of those in the lowest income pay bracket (less than £12,570 p/a) believe their skills would not be sufficient to secure them a similar paid role if they were laid off.

Similarly, 21 per cent of Brits say they need digital skills to get a higher paying job and nearly 31pc feel they have missed a promotion or pay rise because of their lack of digital skills.

Additionally, 44pc of respondents say the ability to care for their mental health and personal wellness is negatively impacted by their lack of digital abilities, such as being unable to schedule online medical appointments or submit benefit applications.

Nearly a third of Brits (32pc) say they need digital skills so they can find best deals online to save money, amidst the rising concern over the cost of living.

Get Online Week

In response to this research, Virgin Media O2 and digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, have organised ‘Get Online Week‘, (17-23 October) a week long event to help people improve their digital skills.

The sessions will teach basic skills like how to use the internet to carry out essential tasks such as emailing, accessing online services including booking medical appointments, managing their money online, applying for jobs and many more.

Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2 said: “With the cost- of-living crisis deepening and Brits facing rising bills, it’s more important than ever that people can gain vital digital skills, so they can apply for better paid jobs and increase their incomes, while boosting the UK’s economy by almost £13 billion.”

BT is providing help for seniors to improve their digital skills with Sir Geoff Hurst and through its Care Home Companions scheme which started in 2020 to help tackle loneliness. 

Research from BT shows that 41 per cent of over 70s don’t feel fully confident using their phone for anything more than calls, even though 71 pc say phones improve connections with loved ones.

Of those surveyed, 60pc of older people want to learn a new skill and 73pc said using their mobile for booking GP appointments has increased their independence.

BT, Geoff Hurst and the Care Home Companions scheme are aiming to help older people with digital skills, with the scheme being set up by BT employees who chat with those who may not have anyone to talk to on a regular basis.

Sir Geoff Hurst commented: “At my age, I meet a lot of people who are on their own and suffer with loneliness. I am fortunate that I’m in regular contact with my immediate family including a WhatsApp group called ‘Family Bants’.  

“But there are people who have very little family around them or at all so it’s a great thing to connect them – through technology – so they can speak to their mates or people they have lost contact with years ago.” 

BT’s director of customer care Tania Caporaso added: “Personal connections are at the heart of everything we do, whether that’s helping families and friends stay in touch by phone, emails, texts or the small interactions our advisors make with customers everyday as we help solve their issues.

“So, when our customer service advisors suggested using their professional skills and to volunteer to help lonely care home residents back in 2020 – I couldn’t think of a better way to help older people in our local communities.”