Julie Hawker, CEO, reflect on the latest report from Future Dot Now.
For years, we’ve been sounding the alarm on the UK’s workforce digital skills gap. Now, the stark reality is in front of us—over 20 million working-age adults still lack the essential digital skills needed for work. That’s more than half of our workforce missing fundamental capabilities like online collaboration, cybersecurity awareness, and accessing digital payslips.
This is not a problem that can be solved through piecemeal action or well-meaning discussions. Without a national-scale, coordinated intervention, closing this gap will take another 25 years. That is unacceptable.
This is why Routes to 20 Million, FutureDotNow’s five-year plan, is so critical. It provides a structured roadmap to close the digital skills gap by equipping 20 million people with the essential digital skills they need for work. The time for slow progress is over—we must supercharge action now.
Why This Matters Now
The latest Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index and FutureDotNow’s Routes to 20 Million report reveal that digital skills growth has stalled, shifting by only 2% since 2023. The workforce digital divide is present across every sector and demographic—from part-time workers and young people to those in construction, healthcare, and even tech.
Without urgent intervention, businesses will struggle to innovate, productivity will decline, and millions will remain locked out of opportunities. The Routes to 20 Million plan lays out a clear strategy to change this, but only if we act now.
Supercharging Action: What Needs to Happen Now
FutureDotNow has established the Digital Skills Roadmap, setting out the actions needed to bridge this gap. Now, it’s time for bold, coordinated action.
Businesses Must Step Up and Take Ownership Too many organisations assume their employees already have the digital skills they need. The reality? Many don’t—even in digitally advanced industries. FutureDotNow has launched practical tools to help businesses take action. These include workforce digital skills assessments and training pathways designed to close gaps at scale. Sign the Workforce Digital Skills Charter—a shared commitment by businesses to prioritise workforce digital upskilling. Join 130+ organisations already taking action: www.futuredotnow.uk/charter.
Government and Industry Collaboration Must Deepen FutureDotNow has pushed workforce digital skills into the national agenda, but we need policy changes that embed digital skills as a national priority—through targeted funding, employer incentives, and sector-specific initiatives.
Regional and Sector-Specific Pathways Must Be Prioritised As the lead for the South West Digital Skills Workstream, I’ve seen first-hand how regional collaboration can drive impact. The Routes to 20 Million plan is creating pathways for scale impact in key regions and industries. Call to Action for Devon, Somerset & Dorset Businesses: We have fully funded digital skills training available for businesses in these regions. This is your chance to future-proof your workforce at no cost. Speak to Cosmic about how we can support you with your digital skills.
Digital Skills Must Be Embedded into Social Value Policies Workforce digital inclusion should be recognised as a key driver of social value. FutureDotNow’s work on integrating digital skills into public sector procurement policies could transform hiring, workforce development, and contract allocation.
Breaking the Cycle for Future Generations Without urgent action, young people will continue to enter the workforce without the digital skills they need. FutureDotNow’s Routes to 20 Million plan includes a long-term strategy to prevent this cycle from repeating.
The Road Ahead: Why We Must Act Now
Momentum is building. The Routes to 20 Million plan has laid the foundations for large-scale change, but it requires cross-sector commitment and urgent action.
Book a Free Consultation with Cosmic Let’s discuss how your organisation can leverage funded training, workplace assessments, or tailored upskilling programmes. We’re here to guide you. Book your free call today – 0330 088 3005 (or message me and I’ll line up a call).