More than half (59%) of people in Wales lack the full essential digital skills set required for the modern workplace, according to the latest Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index. The study found that some people in Wales are unable to use digital skills in the workplace to problem solve, communicate or operate safely online when required in the workplace.

Outside of the workplace one in four (25%) lack the full essential digital skills they need, meaning they struggle with tasks like changing settings on a device (18%), updating passwords (18%) and connecting to WIFI (17%). One in seven (14%) had little or no digital skills and classified themselves as ‘digitally disengaged’, slightly more than the UK average (12%).

The research found that one in five (21%) residents lack confidence in their digital skills and a further 6% of people in the region are completely offline – meaning they risk missing out on benefits like better work prospects, improved communication with friends and family and financial savings.

Of those not online, 56% say worries about data security stops them from accessing the internet.

Carys Williams, Lloyds Banking Group Ambassador for Wales, said:

“Digital skills are becoming increasingly important as organisations shift towards digitisation, both in the workplace and in the provision of services for consumers.

“Across Wales it’s clear that a high proportion of people lack confidence in their digital capabilities and need support. We’re committed to helping Wales prosper and making sure that everyone has the digital skills needed for life and work, that’s why we’re working with organisations across the nation to help provide training and mentoring on digital skills.”

Workers with digital skills earn more

Nationally, the study found that those workers with digital skills earn on average £12,500 more per year than those without.

Despite the lack of skills and increasing demand from employers, almost two thirds (63%) of workers have not received any digital skills training from their employer – including more than half (54%) of those in managerial roles and almost three quarters (71%) of manual workers.

Those working in manufacturing have the lowest level of digital skills (36%) compared to 80% in the finance, insurance and property sectors according to the report.