ONE in 10 adults in Bath and north east Somerset would fail to achieve even a G grade in GCSE English and are functionally illiterate, new figures show.

The previously unknown scale of adult illiteracy across the area has been made public through a nationwide survey.

Figures from the Skills for Life Survey, commissioned by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, shows that 8,985 adults in B&NES – nine per cent – are at the literacy level expected of an 11-year-old or younger.

Such adults would fail to obtain even a G in a GCSE English exam.

The head of community studies at the City of Bath College, Linda Bremner, says there are a number of reasons why adults have difficulties with reading and writing.

She said: "Last year we had more than 200 adult students come back to college for support with their numeracy and literacy, all of them at below GCSE level.

"Some of them would have been students with learning difficulties, others had missed out academically by either not getting on well at school or missing out on taking their exams.

"There are also people who might be dyslexic, because this is something which has only recently started to be identified and help given."

To tackle part of the problem the City of Bath College has recently launched the Forward4 partnership with Norton Radstock, Filton and Wiltshire colleges to help employers train semi-skilled workers.

The partnership will see college staff go into businesses to offer personalised training where it is needed most.

It is estimated that a fifth of workers in B&NES are unqualified or functionally illiterate and cost businesses as much as £27million in avoidable errors.

Vice principal at the college Lianne McCarthy said: "I think particularly as the economic situation is getting more difficult, having well-trained staff who are productive will give companies the edge in troubled times."

The Community Learning Service, which is part of B&NES Council and funded by the Learning and Skills Council, offers free courses to people who need help with their literacy and numeracy skills.

A 10-week course of maths and English lessons at Culverhay School will begin on November 10 and 11. More details are available from Christina Chow on 01225 396834.

For more information about the Community Learning Service, contact Tricia Jones on 01225 396450. Alternatively, visit www.forward4. org.