Literacy in the workplace [1994]

Previous studies of the job skills gap have focused on the problem of workers with literacy deficits. Yet, in terms of the costs to individuals, firms and the national economy, literacy surplus (or underemployment) is equally important. This article examines the "fit" or "mismatch" between job requirements and workers' literacy skills, profiling patterns of literacy use and under-use in the labour market. (Adapted from a report published by Statistics Canada and Human Resources Development Canada.)