Digital challenge of Universal Credit

Almost 10% of the UK population has never been online. As the rollout of the Universal Credit (UC) portal moves ever closer, the scale of the UK’s online literacy problem has become abundantly clear. A significant percentage of those who will be using the UC portal do not have the digital skills to access the system that delivers vital funds that support both them and their families.

A combined benefits system is an excellent proposal in principle, but the deficit in digital literacy amongst the hard-to-reach raises the stakes for claimants and housing associations. Housing assocations collect 65% of their income from benefits and with margins already tight, delays in payments to residents could have disastrous consequences on a HAs ability to provide affordable housing.

In this article in Local Government News, Matthew Adam, CEO of We Are Digital, reveals how a lack of digital literacy is the biggest barrier to the success of UC.

News Archives

Windrush Day

(22.06.21)

22 June 2021 will mark the fourth national Windrush Day and 73 years since the SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks. Several hundred people arrived from the Caribbean to start a new life in Britain. The idea of this … Read more »

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We Are Digital strengthens marketing team with key new appointments

(22.04.21)

We Are Digital, the Coventry-based digital training provider, has further strengthened its growing marketing team with two new senior-level appointments. As part of the organisation’s ambitious growth strategy, David Smyth has been appointed to the role of chief marketing and … Read more »

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As seen on Global Banking and Finance Review”.

(09.02.21)

By Matt Adam, chief executive of We Are Digital, outlines four key actions we can take this year to end the impact of financial exclusion. Financial exclusion – the inability to access finance, banking and income – typically affects … Read more »

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The Shift to Remote Training: Challenges, Opportunities and the Future

(09.12.20)

Arjun Patel, Operational Delivery Manager When the Covid-19 lockdown came into force in March, as an organisation, We Are Digital didn’t want to sit back and do nothing. We primarily offered face-to-face training prior to this, but we quickly decided … Read more »

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We Are Digital partnership with PA Housing

(08.12.20)

Community investment and digital skills training provider We Are Digital has secured a contract with PA Housing to provide in-home digital and financial inclusion training to a targeted group of residents. The training will prove key to relieving isolation and … Read more »

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