BII: we must raise literacy and numeracy

Raising the chronically low levels of literacy and numeracy amongst licensees must be a key priority for the trade, says BII chief executive Neil Robertson.

"It's been estimated that as many as 40% of licensees could be struggling with numeracy and literacy," he told the Morning Advertiser​ today. "That makes it very difficult for them to understand crucial business issues.

"If we're to get a better trained industry, we must tackle the problem of numeracy and literacy, and I'm determined to help through new training schemes."

JD Wetherspoon is currently working with a training agency to help workers with learning difficulties. Robertson, who's worked in Government previously to raise numeracy and literacy at a national level, wants to work with Wetherspoon to extend the scheme to other areas of the trade.

Robertson is equally determined to revolutionise youth training in the pub industry by setting up a new apprenticeship scheme. He is exploring ways to get licensees to group together and offer "shared apprenticeship schemes" to encourage young people into the trade.

He told the Morning Advertiser​ today: "I want to do much more to get young people into this trade and give them the right training. There's plenty of good youngsters out there, but we've not traditionally been very good at reaching them.

"I am working hard to see how we can create apprenticeships in this industry. It's easier for big managed groups to take on young people. But I believe we could get groups of individual licensees to share an apprentice between them."

Robertson said he wants the BII to help the industry raise its profile and present a better image to youngsters and budding entrepreneurs. And he wants to create a mentoring scheme, which will support the newcomers.

"There are lots of very highly regarded successful licensees who would be only too willing to share their knowledge and experience with young entrepreneurs."