There are 13.25 million work hours lost a week as a result of
IT illiteracy plaguing the UK workforce, says City &
Guilds.
The provider of vocational qualifications says productivity in
the UK is suffering as 5.3 million workers lose two-and-a-half
hours a week dealing with other people's IT traumas.
Research figures show 59% of companies rely on self-trained
staff to sort out everyday computer problems, meaning those in the
know end up doing overtime as they take on the trials and
tribulations of the IT illiterate.
According to the report, many UK businesses have a
"make do" attitude to everyday IT issues. Small companies with
6-10 employees are the quickest to pass IT dramas onto unqualified
staff, with 65% of IT "amateurs" having to work above and beyond
their contracted roles every day as a result.
Even with 71% of households owning a computer, the UK's
workplaces are suffering from "IT phobia", said City & Guilds.
Over a third (35%) of workers have failed to get a job done on time
due to a lack of IT knowledge and trained support, with more than
half (54%) trying to fix problems by themselves, "often doing more
harm than good".
One in 20 even leave their desk when there is an IT problem in
the hope that it will have gone away by the time they return.
According to sector skills council e-skills, around 7.6 million
people in the UK need to increase their IT skills to address
current needs and changing employer demand over the next three
years.
Ken Gaines, City & Guilds product manager for IT User
qualifications, said, "City & Guilds commissioned this research
to highlight how everyday IT issues are slowing down individuals,
businesses and the economy.
He said, "In many companies, IT issues are passed on to existing
staff in an attempt to keep costs down. However, without proper
training, novices can end up costing companies far more in terms of
productivity levels.
"For this reason we urge employers, particularly of smaller
companies, to support the development of IT user skills in their
workforce."