Digital Dried‑Out? Your Hands Might Be Cracking!
It turns out that 11% of Londoners were practically guinea pigs when the pandemic hit—no idea how to charm their devices on their own. The newest Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index (CDI) just dropped the tea.
A Quick Glance Back to 2019:
- 18% of respondents were terrible at the basic tech chores — turning on a gadget, setting up Wi‑Fi, or logging into an account.
- Only 7% could actually wire a device to a network.
- The digital gap meant people couldn’t just click “shop” or “bank” without a stilted, awkward struggle.
Fast Forward to Lockdown:
- More than a third (35%) of Londoners took a serious swipe at boosting their skills, thanks to the chaos that forced everyone online.
- They’re learning how to keep up with the digital grind for work, health and a bit of sanity during the hustle.
The Big Voice:
Ed Thurman, Lloyds Bank’s “Digital Champion” for London, reminded us that the “digital vitally” isn’t a universal language. “During lockdown many of us hit tech snags, but the lack of confidence can turn a simple click into a full‑blown crisis.”
He added a bright note: “Instead of giving up, folks are stepping up. It’s a win that will keep paying off well beyond the lockdown.”
What’s Helping?
- The Mayor’s Digital Talent Programme is a top‑notch (and very appealing) initiative ensuring the next generation of Londoners is tech‑savvy enough to impress employers.
- Back on the ground, the Lloyds Bank Academy continues to hold virtual workshops — those little pep talks that really help fill the gap.
Why It Matters (Even Pre‑Lockdown):
A whopping 87% of digitally engaged Londoners now say it’s their secret sauce to staying in touch with friends and family. 64% believe it pumps up their job prospects, while 43% claim it’s handy for health and mental well‑being.
So, if you’re still learning how to navigate the digital realm, remember: everyone’s just one click away from becoming a tech wizard.
Learning new skills in lockdown
London’s Digital Take‑off During Lockdown
In the final throes of the UK lockdown, 77 % of Londoners said they had an insatiable need to stay online, and 80 % consider technology their lifeline. It’s almost like a virtual emergency room, but with fewer viruses and more Zoom calls.
Skill‑Boosting Stats (and a dash of humour)
- 35 % boosted digital skills on their own initiative – basically self‑taught bootcampers.
- 33 % learned new skills for work – probably juggling a video call and a grocery list at the same time.
- 39 % used tech more than usual for health and wellbeing – because the only thing that can be scaled up faster than a smart watch is a digital appetite for positivity.
- Among the self‑learners, 61 % did it alone, 26 % leaned on friends, and 22 % got a little family‑tech support (yes, Grandma became a super‑user).
- About 34 % helped others in their digital camp – and that “Staying in touch” was the top reason, with 61 % waving their families in Zoom or WhatsApp to keep the conversation going. Banking and shopping nudged that list with 28 % of respondents.
- Looking ahead, 63 % of Londoners want to keep riding the digital wave, and 21 % dove into online learning during lockdown.
Statement from the Industry
Stephen Noakes, Managing Director of Retail Transformation at Lloyds Bank, summed it up nicely:
“The lockdown spotlighted just how vital digital skills are. For many, it was the only way to keep connected with loved ones, buy groceries, or get essential meds. Those left behind by digital exclusion felt the sting of isolation even more. Thankfully, this crisis has turned the spotlight onto digital capability as a life skill. We’ve been rolling out free training through our Academy, but closing the digital gap will take a collective effort.”
Bottom line? London’s residents aren’t just surviving lockdown; they’re leveling up in the digital arena – and they’re not afraid to teach others along the way.
Helping to address the digital divide
The Digital Divide is Grown Weather‑Prospecting!
Even with every new gadget arriving at your doorstep, a sizable slice of the UK is still stuck in the analog past.
What the Latest Consumer Digital Index Tells Us
- By 2030, 25 % of people in the United Kingdom could still be living with minimal digital engagement.
- That’s a whole group of nations‑wide citizens who might prefer postcards over e‑mails and still wait for the post office to deliver a bill.
- It’s a stark reminder that technology isn’t magically sold to everyone—policy, awareness, and infrastructure play the crucial starring role.
Why It Matters
When a quarter of a country can’t or won’t dive into the digital wave, they miss out on:
- Online banking and budgeting apps that keep finances tidy.
- Tele‑health appointments that could save a night’s sleep.
- Learning resources, coding tutorials, and esports communities that spark creativity.
What We Can Do
Speedy steps can flip the numbers, like:
- Expanding broadband coverage to ath “ rural village.
- Making digital literacy classes as popular as karaoke nights.
- Investing in affordable device subsidies for those who still think a smartphone is a luxury.
Bottom Line
Technology continues to thunder forward, but the gap remains – unless we intervene with policy, support, and a hint of fun. If we want every UK citizen to be as digitally savvy as their savvy neighbours, it’s up to all of us to close that gap before 2030 and keep the future bright for everyone.
