AI Putting 8 Million UK jobs at Risk

A recent report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has raised concerns over the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the UK job market. The analysis suggests that in a worst-case scenario, up to eight million jobs could be at risk due to AI automation.

The IPPR report outlines two stages of AI adoption: the current wave and a deeper integration phase. It warns that without intervention, as much as 59% of tasks performed by workers could be vulnerable to automation. Particularly, back-office, entry-level, and part-time positions such as secretarial and administrative roles are deemed most susceptible, with women, young people, and lower-wage workers disproportionately affected.

The report’s worst-case projection for the second wave of AI integration suggests nearly 7.9 million job losses without any accompanying GDP gains. However, it also presents a more optimistic scenario where no jobs are lost, and instead, AI augments human labour, potentially boosting GDP by 13%.

Carsten Jung, a senior economist at IPPR, emphasizes the importance of proactive measures by government, employers, and unions to manage the transition. He underscores that while AI presents opportunities for economic growth, its implementation requires careful planning to avoid disruption.

To address these challenges, the IPPR report recommends a job-centric industrial strategy, including tax incentives and subsidies for AI training, as well as regulatory frameworks to ensure human oversight, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare.

Responding to the report, a spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) acknowledges the speculative nature of the predictions but highlights existing government investments in AI skills and talent initiatives. They affirm ongoing efforts to assess AI’s impact on various sectors and collaborate with industry partners to develop essential AI skills.