Key Takeaways
- The UK technology secretary, Liz Kendall, has warned that the increasing deployment of artificial intelligence will cause job losses, but also create new ones.
- The government plans to train up to 10 million British workers in basic AI skills by 2030 to help them adapt to the changing labor market.
- The goal is to make Britain the fastest AI adoption country in the G7, with a focus on creating new jobs around the government’s four AI growth zones.
- A new "future of work unit" is being established in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology to involve trades unions and business leaders in addressing the impact of AI on the workforce.
- The government is partnering with US AI companies, including Meta and Anthropic, to build AI systems for various sectors, including defense, national security, and transport.
Introduction to the Impact of AI on the Workforce
The UK technology secretary, Liz Kendall, has issued a warning that the increasing deployment of artificial intelligence will lead to job losses in the country. In a speech on the government’s plans to handle the impact of AI on the British economy, Kendall stated that "some jobs will go" as a result of the technology’s adoption. However, she also emphasized that new jobs will be created in their place, and the government is committed to helping workers adapt to the changing labor market. Kendall’s comments come as the UK government seeks to make Britain the fastest AI adoption country in the G7, with a focus on creating new jobs and opportunities around the government’s four AI growth zones.
Government Plans to Address the Impact of AI
Kendall announced plans to train up to 10 million British workers in the most basic AI skills by 2030, including members of the cabinet. This initiative aims to help workers develop the skills needed to thrive in an economy where AI is increasingly prevalent. The government has partnered with companies such as Multiverse, founded by Euan Blair, to provide online AI training for millions of workers. Additionally, a new program will be launched to support women in moving into entry-level tech roles. Kendall described the rollout of online AI training as "the biggest single plan to upskill the nation since Harold Wilson’s Open University." The government is also establishing a new "future of work unit" in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, which will involve trades unions and business leaders in addressing the impact of AI on the workforce.
Partnerships with US AI Companies
The UK government has faced criticism for relying too heavily on US AI companies, whose models could soon be competing with British white-collar workers for jobs. Despite this, the government has announced partnerships with several US AI companies, including Meta and Anthropic. A $1m donation from Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta will be spent on a government initiative to build AI systems for defense, national security, and transport. Anthropic, a US AI startup valued at $350bn, has been chosen to build and pilot a dedicated assistant tool for public services on gov.uk, starting with a model that will give jobseekers career advice. The government also has a memorandum of understanding with OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT. These partnerships aim to support the development of AI systems that can benefit various sectors in the UK.
The Future of Work in the UK
Kendall emphasized that the UK is "on the cusp of great change – an industrial revolution [taking place] in a decade." She believes that AI will transform all aspects of life, and the government is committed to ensuring that this transformation benefits the workforce. The creation of new jobs around the government’s four AI growth zones is a key part of this strategy. While some forecasts suggest that AI could create a net increase in employment, Kendall is cautious, stating that she is "not complacent about that." Instead, the government is focused on helping workers develop the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. As the UK continues to adopt AI at a rapid pace, it is likely that the country will experience significant changes in the workforce, and the government’s plans will be crucial in determining the impact of these changes on workers and the economy as a whole.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the UK government is taking steps to address the impact of AI on the workforce, including training millions of workers in basic AI skills and creating new jobs around the government’s four AI growth zones. While there are concerns about the potential job losses caused by AI, the government is committed to helping workers adapt to the changing labor market. The partnerships with US AI companies, such as Meta and Anthropic, aim to support the development of AI systems that can benefit various sectors in the UK. As the UK continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, it is likely that the government’s plans will evolve to address the needs of workers and the economy. Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will depend on the government’s ability to balance the benefits of AI adoption with the need to protect and support workers who may be displaced by the technology.
