Prospect: Prime Minister missed the opportunity to highlight the impact of AI on work and jobs

Andrew Pakes, Deputy General Secretary of tech workers' union Prospect, responding to the Prime Ministers Tech Week speech, said:

“The Prime Minister’s speech was a missed opportunity to highlight the enormous impact that AI will have on work and jobs.

“Innovation is not just about investment but harnessing the skills and talents of the UK workforce.

“Recent polling by Prospect showed 60% of people want proper regulation of AI in the workplace.  If you don’t take the workforce with you as you change, all you do is create resentment and unnecessary fear.

“We will not be able gain the benefits of digital technology and AI unless we address the jobs transition and supporting working people in developing their skills.”