'Half of London's homeless cannot read or do sums'

A survey has revealed that more than half of London’s homeless lack the basic skills in reading and maths needed to live a normal life.

Researchers for the charity St Mungo’s Broadway found that 51 per cent lacked basic English and 55 per cent basic maths and were effectively kept out of work.

The figure compares with just 15 per cent of the general population who struggle to read — a far bigger skills gap between homeless people and the rest of the community than was realised.

Charity head Howard Sinclair said: “Poor literacy and numeracy impacts across work, health, keeping a home and positive relationships.

“Our clients need a second, sometimes a third chance to build their future.”

For the first time, the Government is funding literacy and numeracy courses created by the charity to help homeless people in London build new lives.

In a speech today, skills and enterprise minister Matthew Hancock will say he wants the scheme to expand once the results have been assessed: “This Government believes in helping everyone to get a decent education, and to do that means more support for some of the most vulnerable in society, including people who are homeless.

“Good literacy helps people to fulfil their potential and play an active role in society.”

The research found many of those with poor literacy and numeracy had had a poor experience of school, often linked to unstable or traumatic childhoods. Interviews with further education college principals revealed that they felt unable to accept homeless people onto courses because funding was dependent on regular attendance.