In an era where digital technology permeates every aspect of our lives, digital poverty has emerged as a critical social and economic issue in the UK. This digital divide is not just about access to technology; it’s about the ability to participate fully in our increasingly digital society. As we look towards the future, it’s crucial to understand the depth of this problem and develop sustainable, long-term solutions.V
The Scope of Digital Poverty
Digital poverty encompasses more than just a lack of internet access or devices. It includes the absence of essential digital skills, the inability to afford digital services, and the lack of motivation or confidence to engage with digital technology. Recent statistics paint a concerning picture:
- Approximately 9 million people in the UK struggle to use the internet independently
- 22% of the UK population lack basic digital skills
- 1.9 million households don’t have access to the internet
These numbers represent millions of individuals who are increasingly marginalised in our digital world.
The Far-Reaching Impact
The consequences of digital poverty extend far beyond mere inconvenience. They affect every aspect of modern life, with significant implications for education, employment, and health and wellbeing.
Education
The impact of digital poverty on education was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many students without access to reliable internet or devices struggled to participate in remote learning. This lack of access has led to a widening achievement gap, with students from low-income households often falling behind their peers. The long-term effects of this disparity are profound, as educational attainment is closely tied to future employment opportunities and social mobility.
Employment
Digital skills are increasingly essential in today’s job market. For those affected by digital poverty, a lack of access to these skills creates significant barriers to securing and maintaining employment. As industries become more reliant on technology, individuals without digital proficiency are at a disadvantage, contributing to economic inequality and limiting the talent pool available to employers. Closing this digital skills gap is not just about improving individual livelihoods; it’s about supporting the broader economy.
Health and Wellbeing
Access to digital technology is becoming increasingly critical for managing health and wellbeing. From booking GP appointments online to engaging with telehealth services, the digitisation of healthcare can improve access and efficiency. However, for those in digital poverty, these benefits are out of reach, leading to poorer health outcomes and putting additional pressure on in-person services. Moreover, the inability to access accurate health information online can exacerbate health inequalities.
Long-Term Solutions: Building a Digitally Inclusive Society
Addressing digital poverty requires a multifaceted, long-term approach. A comprehensive digital infrastructure is crucial to ensure all communities, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, have access to reliable, high-speed internet. Universal access should be prioritised through targeted investment in broadband services, subsidies for low-income households, and the development of emerging technologies like 5G and satellite internet. At the same time, lifelong digital education must become a national priority. Digital literacy should be embedded in school curriculums and adult learning initiatives, with accessible training programmes offered through libraries, community centres, and online platforms. This ensures that individuals not only gain essential digital skills but can continue to upskill throughout their lives. Collaboration between government, private enterprises, and non-profits will be key to achieving these goals. Businesses can play a role by offering digital skills training to employees and engaging with local communities, while public-private partnerships can help to deliver wider digital inclusion initiatives.
Our Role: The Mercator Digital Academy
At Mercator Digital, we recognise that addressing digital poverty requires widespread effort, and while we are contributing, we know there is still a long way to go. Through our Mercator Digital Academy, we aim to play a small part in the solution by offering graduate traineeships, supporting military service leavers in their transition to civilian careers, and helping individuals from diverse backgrounds – to foster greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech sector. We are also proud to partner with Next Tech Girls to inspire girls and women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to explore careers in tech. While these initiatives make a positive impact, we are aware that more needs to be done to close the digital divide.
Closing the Gap
Digital poverty is a complex and deeply rooted issue in the UK. Addressing it will require sustained investment in infrastructure, digital education, and collaborative efforts across sectors. The solution to digital poverty lies not only in providing access to technology but in ensuring everyone has the skills, confidence, and support to thrive in a digital world. As we move forward, it’s crucial to keep digital inclusion at the forefront of social and economic policy, ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation reach everyone.
To find out more about our Academy visit: mercatordigital.com
