Literacy progress 'dismal', say MPs

MILLIONS of adults cannot read or write well enough to score a decent grade at GCSE, MPs warned today.

The Commons Public Accounts Committee condemned the "dismal" progress ministers have made in improving the nation's literacy and numeracy levels.

Despite a £5billion Government drive to boost the three Rs, "an unacceptably high number" of people still struggle with the basics, the committee found.

The MPs demanded urgent action to recruit more English and maths teachers in schools.