More people in Greater Manchester are plugged into the internet than ever before, according to a new government study.
The Office for National Statistics revealed the amount has increased by 137,000 over the last two years, meaning 86.1 per cent of Mancunians have used the internet.
Manchester placed highly in the North-West for techno-literacy but with 13.9 per cent of the city struggling with the internet, Helen Milner – chief executive for UK Online Centres – is worried.
“There are still millions of people that are either not online or who don’t have the skills to take advantage of all the internet can offer,” she said.
“There are hundreds of local places across the North West where people can find the help and support they need to improve their computer and internet skills.”
With government services – such as the Universal Credit – now accessible online, the the need to make sure people can use digital resources has never been higher.
Universal Credit – which replaces the six out-of-work benefits with one monthly payment – went live in April.
And though 94 per cent of households earning below £200 can use the internet, Ms Milner still hopes the number will increase further.
She said: “The introduction of Universal Credit could offer a huge opportunity for individuals in the North West to improve their skills so they can take advantage of saving money.
“I hope the introduction of Universal Credit will encourage people in the area to discover all that the internet can offer.”
MM went onto the streets of Manchester to see if the city was computer-literate, finding that the majority use the internet on the daily basis.
“I tend to use the internet for social media and I run a YouTube channel for upcoming artists in the area,” said James Mcmanus, 18, of Tilsley.
“I couldn’t see myself not working without the internet – it keeps you in touch with the world and everything else, it’s crucial for what I do.
“I can understand why people don’t use the internet because it can corrupt people – people might be lying on there, which isn’t good and obviously there’s the problem of cyber-bullying.”
However, our findings reflected the study, showing there are still a small number of individuals who are unable to access digital resources.
“I’ve never been interested in using the internet,” said Ann Hamner, a 67-year-old retired bar worker from Longsight. “I don’t use a computer at all.
“I can see the benefits of using it, but I’ve just never had a need to learn how – I live perfectly well without it and it’s never bothered me.”
Perhaps Ms Hamner will make her first visit online to read her comments in this story…
Image courtesy of newfilm.dk, with thanks.
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