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Over the past 12 years scores of reports and articles have been written about occupational, workforce, or workplace literacy (Workforce 2000 – economic and labour force changes, and skills requirements, impacting on America). Research and published materials have failed to address the impact of these issues for the vast local public sector work‐force. Reports on exploratory research on issues of occupational literacy in a large metropolitan US county government workforce. All of the 32 county departments were surveyed regarding Workforce 2000 and occupational literacy in order to assess employee skills and workplace requirements, literacy issues, leadership awareness and policies and planning. Results show a well intentioned, but poorly prepared, (and preparing) county leadership and workforce, which may well impact on the quality of future service delivery. Makes recommendations for policy and programme changes, and for continuing research.

Briefly outlines the legislation and guidelines relevant to the public sector and covers the types of discrimination known to exist in this area. Looks at the problems within the gender debate with the absence of legislative protection and cites recent case law.