The Chancellor’s endorsement comes as the Taskforce unveils ground-breaking recommendations this evening to help employers break down barriers and support women and girls to thrive in numeracy and financial skills.
Ahead of the launch event this evening, The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer said:
“I am delighted to support the launch of Numeracy for Gender Equality, an inspiring initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in number confidence, spearheaded by the Gender Taskforce at National Numeracy.
“We all use numbers every day. Whether it’s checking the time, reading a bus timetable, weighing ingredients or in the local supermarket, we rely on numbers to keep us on track. These skills form the foundations that enable us to manage money effectively. In today’s complex financial landscape, we are frequently asked to interpret numerical information, from understanding a payslip and comparing interest rates, to managing investments and planning for retirement.
“But numeracy is more than just a skill or even a maths qualification, it involves having the confidence to use numbers in everyday life to make good decisions, including financial ones. It is concerning to read that women in the UK are twice as anxious as men about using maths, even when they have a high skill level. Low number confidence can make budgeting, saving, and managing debt challenging, and limit opportunities for economic growth and independence, particularly for women.
“National Numeracy has identified the single most significant factor in improving numeracy is having the belief you can – having a ‘growth mindset’. By fostering an environment that nurtures number confidence and skills, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to develop strong numeracy skills and the confidence to use them.
“I’d like to express my sincere thanks to National Numeracy and its partner organisations for their work and dedication in closing this confidence gap. Through working together to improve numeracy across the UK, we have a real opportunity to address an issue that is holding too many people back, and create a brighter future for women and girls.”
The gender number confidence gap
New research from National Numeracy reveals that 35% of women say they would be put off applying for a job that requires working with numbers and data – compared to just 20% of men. This number confidence gap is a barrier to career progression, financial independence, and broader life opportunities.
Previous findings from National Numeracy show that nearly three times more women (59%) than men (21%) feel their earnings have suffered due to not having a Level 2 maths qualification. Without action, entire industries risk losing out on diverse talent simply because of a lack of confidence with numbers.
Employer-led action to drive change
In response, the Gender Taskforce of the National Numeracy Leadership Council is launching a set of practical recommendations to help employers create inclusive recruitment practices, support numeracy development, and close the gender number confidence gap. These recommendations will be unveiled at a high-profile event this evening at Capital One's London HQ.
Lucy-Marie Hagues MBE, CEO of Capital One UK and Chair of the Gender Taskforce, said: "I am determined to make sure that girls and young women recognise their own immense potential when it comes to working with numbers. That’s why I’m delighted that Capital One is partnering with National Numeracy and other businesses to inspire confidence and open up opportunities. We need collective action to close this gender gap and ensure everyone can thrive at school and in the workplace."
Rachel Riley MBE, National Numeracy Ambassador, added: “Closing the gender number confidence gap is something that will benefit individuals and society alike, and it's fantastic to see major businesses stepping up to drive real, lasting change. As a National Numeracy Ambassador, I know the impact that building number confidence can have – this commitment from employers is a crucial step toward empowering future generations."
Sam Sims, CEO of National Numeracy, said: “Low confidence with numbers is holding people back – disproportionately affecting women and girls – and this acts as a barrier to learning, financial independence, careers, and broader life opportunities. We believe that everyone can improve their numeracy, but we cannot improve the numeracy of the nation without addressing the yawning gender divide when it comes to number confidence. We are delighted to be working with the country’s leading businesses and organisations to tackle this pervasive problem and open up opportunities for all.”
Key recommendations for employers
The Gender Taskforce’s Numeracy for Equality: Recommendations for Employers outline four critical steps employers should take to close the gender number confidence gap:
1. Break the intergenerational cycle of low numeracy
- Create and mobilise workplace groups focused on number confidence, such as women’s networks and diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) groups.
- Use National Numeracy’s tools and resources to support employees in developing everyday maths skills.
2. Create number-confident recruitment and retention practices
- Ensure job descriptions focus on practical skills rather than rigid qualifications.
- Provide numeracy support, such as pre-test preparation resources and alternative ways to demonstrate skills.
3. Prioritise and champion the cause
- Integrate gender and numeracy into diversity, equality, and inclusion strategies.
- Encourage senior leaders to address misconceptions about numeracy and champion workplace support.
4. Introduce the Numeracy for Equality pledge
- A new employer pledge recognising organisations committed to inclusive hiring and numeracy support.
- Signals a commitment to breaking down barriers and supporting a more diverse workforce.
A coalition for change
The Gender Taskforce brings together leaders from Capital One UK, Barclays LifeSkills, Experian, EY, The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, Maths4Girls, Mumsnet and Gransnet, NHS England, Oliver Wyman, Scottish Widows, TP ICAP, and Vanquis Banking Group.
Their collective expertise and influence are instrumental in challenging stereotypes, driving policy change, and ensuring that numeracy is no longer a barrier to opportunity for women and girls.
