A shocking new survey has revealed that 40% of Brits haven’t read a single book within the last year alone.
Reading is a lifeline for some, it’s a chance to delve into a story, open your mind, expand your horizons, and lose yourself in another world, but at present, it’s fair to say that reading is far from a universal habit among British adults – and in fact, 40% claim to have not picked up or listened to a single book in the last 12 months.
Ahead of World Book Day last week, YouGov decided to look into the reading habits of the British public and asked a total of 2121 adults a series of literary-related questions.
According to the survey, a quarter of Brits (23%) who responded say they have read or listened to between one and five books in the last year, with a further 10% admitting to reading or listening to between six and 10, and an extra 10% making their way through between 11 and 20 books.
Shocking new survey reveals that 40% of Brits haven’t read a single book in the last year / Credit: Freepik | Susan Q Yin (via Unsplash)
There are a small number of so-called ‘mega-readers’, however, with 4% of respondents claiming they have read more than 50 books , which is roughly one or more books a week, on average.
As often tends to be the case with many survey results, the results do differ between gender, age, and social class.
Two-thirds of women (66%) say they have read or listened to a book in the last year, but just over half of men (53%) say they have.
Older Brits are also more likely to be readers too, with 65% of over 65s and 63% of 50-64 year olds having read at least one book or listened to one audiobook in the last year, compared to just 57% of 25-49 year olds, and 53% of 18-24 year olds.
According to YouGov’s findings, there is also something of a class divide in reading too.
66% of survey respondents who live in middle class households have read or listened to a book in the last 12 months, compared to just 52% those living in working class households.
And how about frequency? According to the survey, 50% of Brits say they read or listen to books at least once a week, with 37% reading ‘most days’, and 20% reading every day, and women more likely than men to be daily readers at 27%.
Just 15% of Brits say they ‘never’ read or listen to books at all.
While a growing number of Brits may be using audiobooks, most 53% don’t consider ‘listening’ to be the equivalent of having read the same book, and 82% still prefer physical copies of books.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Emily Sergeant -
12th March 2025 
