WORCESTER'S MP has called for "urgent action" to tackle a literacy gap in the UK - after a report highlighted 'alarmingly low' abilities across the country.

Robin Walker has been involved in a lengthy parliamentary investigation into adult literacy levels which has revealed how too many grown-ups lag behind counterparts around the world.

A cross-party committee of MPs, including Mr Walker, now say too many people are not getting enough support in basic reading and writing skills if they leave school with existing problems.

A new report, which the city's MP has worked on, is calling upon the Government launch a high-profile campaign on literacy.

Mr Walker said successive governments have failed to grasp the nettle and help grown-ups who struggle.

The panel of MPs sitting on the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee found despite the current Coalition offering free training for adults that want to study maths and English up to GCSE level, it needs better publicity.

Mr Walker said: "Adult literacy and numeracy has been a problem under successive Governments and it is an area where urgent action is needed.

"Our inquiry showed welcome steps being taken to support literacy and numeracy in schools, which are vital but not sufficient.

"It is essential to reach out to those adults who may have missed out during their education and make sure they have the support they need to achieve their full potential.

"Nobody in this country should have to live with being illiterate or innumerate.

"I am passionate about literacy and the ability to read is not only a key life skill but also a real pleasure."

The committee's report found that from a current tally of 24 developed 'peer' nations, England comes 21st for numeracy and 22nd for literacy.

Among the recommendations to the Government are more thorough skills assessments from the Jobcentre Plus to identify problems among benefit claimants and extra resources to voluntary groups for tackling literacy.

There are 8.5 million adults in England and Northern Ireland with the numeracy levels of a 10-year-old, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).