Readers’ reactions

NSWMA boss bats for workers who fail literacy test

Illiterate workers often work hard to ensure their children receive quality education and avoid the same barriers to higher wages. While literacy is good, many jobs don’t need it but still demand respect and dignity. The world relies on difficult jobs that don’t require school [education]. – @travismacmillan

Insensitive is what I sum that up to be. Why not offer learning programmes bearing in mind that some may actually have learning challenges? Should they turn to crime? – @JAMA_CAN

Those are normally the hardest workers because they want to ensure their children get a good education. Happy there’s system in place to get them literate. – @Richard29554

Whereas I understand ... Not being able to read (at or above a grade two level) shouldn’t be a thing if you attend school straight through to high school. You may not need it for certain jobs, but need it for life; bills, travel, tax office, NHT loan, Bank, Wharf, NIS, etc. – @StClairClaron

So employ them and then get them the skills. If they are willing to work unlike a lot of degenerates, get them enrolled in a reading programme. – @PotMeetBam

I support Audley on this 100 per cent. Maybe instead of insisting on the length of skirts and what a boys hair should look like we could insist on the basic skill of reading and writing. How can you deny basic work when so much illiteracy abounds? – stretchwise

Yes, Mr Gordon! I would also hope that the training and development managers have in place programmes that build functional literacy in-house. After all, everyone can learn. – @gavinmyaz

If they had been properly groomed while going to school, this issue wouldn’t exist. (according to the principals and some Twitter scholars). – @Fabian_Recall

Simple! Hire them but stipulate that they must attend & complete a certain number of adult learning classes in order to remain employed. These classes can be facilitated by the agency in partnership with MOE. Come on we can solve two things at the same time. – @IrishandChin

Give these people the opportunity to learn, sometimes it’s just the opportunity that they did not get to go to school. – __alex_ia

That is nonsense. If people are willing and able, give them the job. Also they can offer them courses at HEART if that is important. – @m.h.m.white

Readers’ reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram pages. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel