In 1997, the incoming UK government provided The National Literacy Strategy, a 'steady and consistent'[1] means of raising standards of literacy, in English primary schools.

... In 1997, the incoming UK government provided The National Literacy Strategy, a 'steady and consistent'1 means of raising standards of literacy, in English primary schools. The motive behind raising these standards was for the economy because if the levels of literacy were to low in a significant proportion of the population, then the economy could have shattering consequences. In a report on the impact of literacy, education and training on the UK Economy, the accountants Ernst and Young estimate that; "60% of all jobs now require reasonable reading skills..."2 and goes on to warn that UK productivity is relatively low compared with its major competitors" Whilst in opposition, the government had set up a 'Literacy Task force', which set out a National Literacy Strategy designed to raise these standards in English primary schools across the UK. Targets were set and by 2002, 80% of year six children were expected to reach level

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