Contrary to expectation
the so-called 'digital divide' has
compounded exclusion among vulnerable
groups, and while a lot of resources have
been directed towards the improving the
access of the 'final third', there is still
more to be done for the most disadvantaged
groups, the manifesto finds.
The poorest people in
UK society are understandably sceptical
about the benefits that they receive from
new technology, it says. The government is
focusing on online service provision but
more than 80% of government transactions are
undertaken by people who do not own a home
computer.
The manifesto stresses
the need for action across a range of
technology platforms, from the home computer
to mobile phones.
Often the IT skills
that are provided to disadvantaged people
are ones at the bottom of the scale which
are becoming unnecessary due to the progress
of automation, the manifesto says. A change
in curriculum is required to correct this.
