The UK government has set out its post-Brexit digital strategy which, with the help of Lloyds Banking Group and Barclays, includes offering digital skills to millions of people, charities and businesses by 2020.

Under the proposals, Lloyds Banking Group will offer face-to-face digital skills training to 2.5 million individuals, charities and SMEs. Meanwhile, Barclays will teach basic coding to 45,000 more children and assist up to one million people with general digital skills and cyber awareness.

In a speech launching the scheme, culture secretary Karen Bradley, said: “The UK's world-leading digital sectors are a major driver of growth and productivity, and we are determined to protect and strengthen them.

“This digital strategy sets a path to make Britain the best place to start and grow a digital business, trial a new technology, or undertake advanced research as part of the government's plan to build a modern, dynamic and global trading nation.”

Google, as part of their commitment to offer five hours of free digital skills for everyone, has also pledged to help boost digital skills in seaside towns.

Nick Cheetham, managing director of Monitise FINkit, said: “Today's announcement is particularly relevant for the banking sector. The government is continuing to try and push industrial digitisation forward through various 'productivity councils', reviews and reports - pressure for the banks to drop the curtain on 'Innovation Theatre' and actually get products into consumer hands is mounting from both sides - from tech savvy consumers with changing expectations and from policy makers.”

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