A MAJOR campaign designed to encourage adults with poor numeracy skills to sign up for free courses has been launched in Hampshire - but many people claim they don't need it.

The You Do the Maths campaign, organised by the Learning and Skills Council, is designed to highlight the importance of basic maths in everyday life.

Campaign spokesman Barb-ara Bicknell said: "Your memories of learning algebra and fractions at school may make you want to forget about maths, but maths is useful in everyday life - from shopping for bargains to DIY measurements. This campaign will help people realise that maths is not just for accountants."

The launch comes after a study, backed by Southampton University academics, showed that people can become anxious when they have to work out basic calculations.

A team of psychologists found those who worried about their maths ability found it harder to solve arithmetic problems.

Alistair Fitt, head of Southampton University's School of Mathematics, said: "I think people definitely can suffer. Students and school pupils generally think maths is very difficult."

A Daily Echo poll showed many people feel they do not suffer from such anxiety but think technology has made it harder for the younger generation to cope with mental arithmetic.

Tony Bowers, a partner at corporate finance company Deloitte in Southampton said: "I was brought up without a calculator. I can work out figures in my head."

Geoff Cooper, 44, of Exbury Road, Blackfield, said: "I think the younger generation don't get taught enough maths in school. If they don't have a calculator, they are not much good at all."

Professor Adam Wheeler, of the School of Mathematics, said he believes the key to reducing maths anxiety

is confidence and good teaching. He said: "The university does a lot to try and enthuse people and overcome anxiety. The school of maths does a number of outreach projects."

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