The Vision for Literacy Business Pledge was established in 2015 by the National Literacy Forum – a coalition formed of 19 literacy and child poverty organisations and assembled by the National Literacy Trust.

The Pledge garners support from UK businesses, which aid the national literacy campaign through promoting literacy within their own organisations and communities.

For example, the PPA has worked with the National Literacy Trust through our MagAid projects to harness the power of magazine media to support literacy development in schools.

The PPA’s Director of External Affairs Owen Meredith described the projects as a huge success. “We know young people find magazines an accessible and friendly way to develop their literacy skills.

“There’s a magazine brand for everyone, whatever your interests and whatever your abilities. Our brands entertain, educate and inform – reaching nearly 40 million UK adults every month.”

Meredith continued, “We’re proud to support the Pledge to help more people, of all ages, improve their literacy so they are able to press pause and enjoy a magazine moment.”

Since the Pledge’s inception, 67% of businesses have reported increased employee engagement and 50% have seen employee morale and motivation improve.

For 2018, the Pledge is focusing on businesses improving levels of social mobility in the UK so that young people are prepared when they enter the workforce.

In 2016, a third (37%) of 16-year-olds failed to achieve A*-C grades in English and mathematics GCSEs. For students from the poorest backgrounds, this number rose to almost two-thirds (61%).

Research shows that if every child left primary school with the necessary reading skills, our economy could grow by £32.1 billion by 2025.

The PPA is one of 54 businesses to sign the Vision for Literacy Business Pledge for 2018. Others include: KPMG, PwC, Costa, the Premier League, Facebook, McDonald’s, Penguin Random House and PPA strategic partner Air Business.

The Education Secretary Justine Greening has also given her support to the Pledge.

Find out how you and your business can get involved.