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One criticism levelled at the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS) is that it did not survey writing. This paper describes how one new study will identify the real life tasks and practices of writing as observed among small, or 'micro', businesses in England. 'Micro' businesses have been defined by the Federation of Small Businesses (2010) as businesses with fewer than 10 employees. They are of particular significance to the UK economy because small and medium-sized firms employ more than 59.8 per cent of the private sector workforce, and 95 per cent of these firms employ fewer than five people (Federation of Small Businesses, 2010). In the wake of job loss in the public sector, government is looking to the private sector to create jobs. However, little research has been done on this part of the economy. The new study on workplace writing [aims to] broaden the knowledge base about literacy in the workplace. It will seek to distinguish between the demands made on adults by the small business they work in and the skills which adults need and deploy to meet those demands.

Edited excerpt from publication.

This 'think paper' was prepared for the Centre of Literacy's Fall Institute held in Banff on October 23-25, 2011. The theme was 'IALS (International Adult Literacy Survey): its meaning and impact for policy and practice'. Show less