New research sheds light on how we feel about maths
The study of 3,000 UK adults found numeracy gives many feelings of fear or unease, while almost a third (29 per cent) say they actively try to avoid anything to do with numbers and data, according to new research commissioned by KPMG UK for charity National Numeracy.
For 32 per cent, the cost-of-living crisis has placed greater pressure on their numeracy skills, and of those with low number confidence, the same percentage say it affects their mental wellness.
More than half (52 per cent) say they stopped studying maths at school as soon as they were able to, however a third (34 per cent) have taken steps to improve since secondary school.
Two-thirds (66 per cent) agree that you don’t realise how important maths skills are until you’re older and are using them to navigate daily life.
And over two-thirds (69 per cent) backed the notion the UK needs to take additional measures to address the issue of low number confidence, and over half (51 per cent) acknowledge a greater emphasis being put on improving numeracy skills in recent years.
The research comes ahead of National Numeracy Day on Wednesday 17 May, run by independent charity National Numeracy with the campaign’s founding supporter KPMG, supported by a wide range of organisations. The aim is to inspire everyone to have the confidence and skills to work with, and understand numbers, so they can get on in life.
Over a third (35 per cent) say that they would be put off a job role if it mentioned having to deal with numbers and data, while a fifth believe their lack of confidence has affected career choices and impacted their earnings.
The cost-of-living crisis has made it easier to talk more openly about their numeracy for more than a quarter (26 per cent) and 28 per cent want to improve their skills, but don’t know where to start.
Let's tackle fears about numbers and maths
Sam Sims, Chief Executive at National Numeracy, said: “Tackling people’s fears and worries about numbers is a vital first step if we want the nation to get on with numbers.
“Focussing on exams and courses alone won’t work for the millions who hated maths at school - we know a bad experience at school is linked to lower number confidence and attainment.
“So, from early years and primary school, right into adulthood, we’d like to see the confidence to understand and work with numbers form a central part of maths learning in the UK.
“Maths is a mental wellness issue, as this survey shows. We need to get better at acknowledging and supporting those who struggle with numbers – it has very real effects on their lives and livelihoods, which the cost-of-living crisis has highlighted.
“Feeling anxious about maths is completely understandable. Our charity offers vital support and can help people begin to feel better about the numbers in their everyday lives.”
Maths is more than a classroom subject - it is needed in everyday life
Bina Mehta, Chair at KPMG in the UK, said: “Confidence with numbers isn’t reserved for mathematicians, it’s an essential skill helping us navigate daily life – from understanding interest rates to working out value for money while shopping.
“Those lacking confidence in their numeracy skills are more vulnerable to debt, unemployment and fraud.
“As our research highlights, the impact on wellbeing can’t be underestimated, especially against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis.
“Maths is far more than a classroom subject, it’s a skill like any other, and it can be improved at any age.
“As two-thirds of our respondents suggested, you don’t always realise how important these skills are until you’re older.
“If we want to build a more prosperous and fair economy, we all have a duty – as individuals, businesses, policy makers and education leaders – to ensure numeracy skills get the attention they deserve.”
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Julia Day, Director of External Relations, National Numeracy
Notes to Editors
Methodology of research: KPMG UK, in collaboration with the charity National Numeracy, commissioned research agency 72Point (One Poll) to conduct a nationally representative survey of 3,000 adults (18+) – between 2nd and 5th of May 2023 – on various questions assessing attitudes and feelings towards numeracy. Respondents were targeted on a nationally representative basis for age, gender and region.
About National Numeracy Day: National Numeracy Day is the UK’s only day dedicated to everyday maths. It aims is to inspire everyone to have the confidence and skills to work with, and understand numbers, so they can get on in life. One simple step is to try the National Numeracy Challenge. The campaign is run by the UK charity National Numeracy with the campaign’s founding supporter KPMG and supported by an ever-growing list of organisations who believe in improving the nation’s numeracy.
About National Numeracy: National Numeracy is a charity dedicated to helping people feel confident with numbers and using everyday maths. Our mission is to empower children and adults in the UK to get on with numbers so they can fulfil their potential at work, home and school. Our work improves how people understand and work with numbers in everyday life, sparking better opportunities and brighter futures.
About KPMG: KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, operates from 20 offices across the UK with approximately 17,000 partners and staff. The UK firm recorded a revenue of £2.72 billion in the year ended 30 September 2022.
KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Legal, Tax and Advisory services. It operates in 143 countries and territories with more than 265,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.
