ILLITERACY - THE NEGLECTED ENEMY IN PUBLIC-SERVICE

Recently concern has been voiced over worker illiteracy particularly in light of forecast labor force shortages. A survey of 533 local government units revealed that over 60% of the jurisdictions currently employed workers who lack basic language and arithmetic skills. Illiteracy clearly is a barrier to upward mobility and suggests problems in providing service to the public. Some evidence was found of proactive stand on the part of local government by providing some basic skill training or accommodating for lack of language or computational skills. Implications of labor access and mobility of traditionally disadvantaged groups are discussed.