Adults across West Sussex who want to improve their numeracy skills can sign up for free courses and activities with West Sussex County Council.

It’s thanks to a £3.6 million investment aimed at boosting opportunities for more people to enhance their skills and secure well-paid jobs.

The free courses and activities take place online and in person and are available to residents on either a part time or more intensive basis.

Around 17 million adults in England, which is half of the working-age population, have the numeracy skills of primary school children. Poor numeracy skills can hold people back from having the confidence to get on in life and into work.

West Sussex County Council has been awarded the funding from the government’s £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is provided to offer courses that meet the needs of local communities as part of the government’s Multiply programme.

Multiply is available to adults, aged 19+ who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in Maths or equivalent and want to improve their numeracy skills.

Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Learning said: “I am very pleased that West Sussex County Council is part of the government’s Multiply programme, and the learning opportunities this will provide to our communities.

“Good maths skills are important for everyday life, both at work and at home. They can help you to budget, help you support your children with their homework and help you progress your career.

“I would encourage anyone who meets the eligibility criteria to get in touch and find out more.”

For further information please visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/multiplyprogramme