Over half of UK public concerned about impact of AI on jobs, finds TUC poll

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on the UK government to change its approach to AI as a new poll finds that 51 per cent of the public are concerned about the impact of the technology on their jobs.

The poll, which the TUC conducted in partnership with Suvation, found that people are concerned about job losses or changes to terms and conditions in the workplace.

The national trade union centre said that this number rises in younger workers, with 62 per cent of those aged between 25-34 concerned about AI’s impact on their career.

The union body has launched a “worker first” initiative, stating that while AI can benefit workers and help to improve public services, the government needs to make sure that it projects jobs and places workers “front and centre” through policy response.

The poll also found that most workers want a say in how technology and AI is used at work and the wider economy, with half of those surveyed stating that workers and unions should have an equal say with business on shaping the future of AI and technology in the UK.

Setting out its initiative, the TUC said that workers need a voice in the decisions that shape their lives and the future of AI innovation as whole, from regulation and public funding for AI tech to how it is used in workplaces and who gets a share in any productivity gains.

The TUC set out a number of recommendations in the initiative which includes putting in guardrails so that workers are protected from AI harms at work.

Additionally, the organisation called for companies to invest in workforce skills and training as well as ensure that workers secure a “digital dividend” of any AI productivity gains.

TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell said that workers must be placed “at the heart” of AI innovation, adding that the government needs to ensure that public money comes “with strings attached” so that it is not siphoned away into the pockets of billionaire tech bosses.

“The alternative is bleak – left unmanaged and in the wrong hands, the AI revolution could entrench rampant inequality as jobs are degraded or displaced, and shareholders get richer,” she added. “We cannot let that happen.

“Unmanaged disruption is not inevitable or acceptable, it’s time for an urgent and active policy response that makes sure workers are not left behind. AI technologies can help build a better future – we’re setting out a plan that shows how it can be done.”