Metro Bank has committed to tackling the UK’s literacy challenge by signing the Vision for Literacy Business Pledge 2023.
The community bank is one of 96 businesses which have signed the pledge. Half a million children in this country do not have a single book of their own This means they’re missing out on the many benefits of reading ranging from improved attainment at school to better mental wellbeing.
A lack of vital literacy skills holds a person back at every stage of their life. As a child they won’t be able to succeed at school, as an adult they will be locked out of the job market, and as a parent they won’t be able to support their own child’s learning.
Businesses need to focus their support on these areas of disadvantage that have been particularly affected, especially in light of the cost-of-living crisis. By working together with businesses, schools, charities and government, we can prioritise literacy skills in these communities and ensure that the young people who have been most affected are given the support that they need to thrive. We already run a financial education programme which we have delivered to over 250,000 children.
“We have committed to taking practical steps to tackle low literacy by engaging our colleagues supporting the local communities where we work, commented Colchester Metro Bank Assistant Store Manager Lauren Crow. “Last week, for example, our store hosted a book reading for 30 young kids with children’s author Genevieve Yusuf who read and gifted to the kids her new book ‘Maisie Manning’s Money Diary’ - a tale about what happens when a little girl wants to save up her pocket money.”
To find out more about the Vision for Literacy Business Pledge 2023 visit literacytrust.org.uk/policy-and-campaigns/businesspledge/