The technology secretary has announced the launch of a new cross-government unit which will research and monitor AI’s economic and labour market impacts to provide timely advice on when new policies should be implemented.
The AI and the Future of Work Unit will be supported by a panel of experts from business and trade unions, including Prospect general secretary Mike Clancy.
Announcing the unit on Wednesday, the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and Skills England said it will ensure the AI transition “boosts economic growth, supports workers to adapt, protects communities from the mistakes of past industrial change, and delivers a fair, dignified future of work for everyone, where people are supported into better jobs in a more productive economy”.
The unit will also lead across government on the AI and the Future of Work Programme, which will prepare the UK for AI-driven labour market transformation. The government also announced that it will fund training in AI for every adult in the UK, with the Department for Work and Pensions and Department for Education this week joining the ranks of organisations who are are developing the training which is accessible on the government's AI Skills Hub.
Kendall said the AI and Future of Work unit, which will be based in DSIT, will "not only to provide the best analysis and evidence about the impact of AI on the labour market – in this country and internationally, but bring together action across government to deliver on our principles with a plan of practical help and support, including from the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department for Education, the business department and the Treasury".
An expert panel of industry, academia, civil society and trade unions – including Clancy – will provide strategic insight to the unit's work, support external collaboration, and seek to enable the effective delivery of the work programme.
Clancy said: “The world of work is changing rapidly, with AI and other technologies altering the content, nature, and pace of work in almost every corner of the economy.
“Workers can benefit from this transition, but only if steps are taken to prepare people and organisations for change, and if the workforce is given a real voice in the process. We also need a coordinated workforce plan to make sure short-term AI-related job cuts, particularly in lower level or graduate jobs, do not leave us with higher level skills shortages further down the line.
“Prospect are proud to represent some of the most skilled workers in Britain, including in tech and many of the industries that will power future economic growth, and I’m delighted to have been asked to serve on this panel and contribute our expertise on this subject. I hope we can help the government to be on the front foot and work with them to ensure working people share in the benefits of the AI revolution.”