Two thirds of Scots feel stressed and anxious by lack of digital skills in the workplace

Two thirds of Scots say a lack of digital skills has left them feeling stressed or anxious while the gab in online abilities could be costing the UK economy £12.8bn, new research has revealed.

New figures also show that 18% say they need to improve their digital skills in order to get a higher paid job.

The figures come from research conducted on behalf of Virgin Media O2, which indicated a third of people across the UK have been passed over for a promotion or a pay rise because they lacked the digital skills required.

The Cebr economic modelling shows that a lack of digital skills are costing UK workers £5.69bn and the economy £12.8bn.

Digital skills charity Good Things Foundation say a lack of adequate digital skills is affecting people’s ability to make ends meet amid ongoing economic instability.

The findings reveal the importance of digital abilities to the job market, with a fifth of those surveyed saying they require the skill set to get a high salary.

Many also say there is an impact on their mental health with 44% saying lack of digital skills adversely affects their ability to seek medical help, for example with booking online medical appointments and applying for benefits.

Good Things Foundation are providing free, educational sessions as part of Get Online Week, which runs from October 17 to 23.

The tutorial sessions will help people access and use the internet for essential tasks including word processing, managing money, applying for jobs, virtual interviews and accessing online education or training programmes.