Around 8 million individuals in the United Kingdom face the potential threat of artificial intelligence (AI) replacing their jobs, according to a recent report from IPPR. The report suggests that this figure is an underestimate, as the population lacks the necessary skills and readiness for AI. The charitable organization highlights that over 50% of the UK workforce lacks the essential digital skills required by the government and industry, with this skill gap apparent across all sectors and job levels.
The report reveals that a significant proportion, 54%, of the UK workforce is unable to perform the tasks considered most essential, highlighting the scale of the digital skills gap. IPPR’s research indicates that in the first wave of AI, 11% of the 22,000 tasks within the UK’s economy have already been exposed to AI. This figure is predicted to rise to 59% in the second wave, which will impact higher-paying roles. Carsten Jung, a senior economist at IPPR, warns that millions of workers will struggle to adapt to the drastic changes AI will bring to the workplace, particularly in terms of acquiring basic digital skills such as online coordination, updating settings, and accessing digital pay slips.
The report identifies part-time and entry-level positions, particularly within administrative and customer service roles, as being at high risk in the first wave of AI implementation. These jobs are predominantly held by women, placing them at greater risk. Additionally, workers on low to medium wages and younger individuals are also vulnerable, as companies may opt to replace them with AI technologies for entry-level roles. Bhargav Srinivasa, a senior research fellow at IPPR, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all workers benefit from the latest technologies, not just large corporations. Jung highlights that AI may also transform knowledge-based work in the next five years, questioning how employers will utilize AI and at what pace, rather than simply whether it is useful or not.
The report suggests that the impact of AI on the labor market is uncertain and that economic gains should be shared widely rather than benefiting only a select few. It also proposes that the deployment of AI could free up labor to work in other sectors, such as mental health services and social care. However, the report warns that without government intervention, the deployment of AI systems by companies could lead to a worst-case scenario, with all jobs at risk and no GDP gains.
The original article can be found here, and IPPR’s press release can be accessed here.
