- TUC launches new “worker first” plan for AI that calls on
government to put workers and unions at the heart of AI
transformation
- Strategy launched as new polling reveals half of public are
concerned about impact of AI on their job
- Majority of public think workers should have a voice in how
AI is developed and deployed in workplaces – equally with
business
- TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell says AI can help
build a better future and that “unmanaged disruption is not
inevitable or acceptable”
The TUC has today (Wednesday) launched a new flagship “worker
first” AI strategy that calls on the UK government to make a step
change in its approach to AI to deliver for workers and protect
jobs.
The union body says AI technologies can be harnessed to the
benefit of all workers and help improve public services – and is
calling for an urgent and active policy response, with workers
front and centre.
New polling
The AI “worker first” strategy is launched as new TUC polling,
conducted by Survation, reveals over half (51%) of the public are
concerned about the impact of AI and new technologies on their
job.
Job losses or changes to terms and conditions were the most
commonly cited concern.
The polling also shows that people are worried about the impact
of AI on their job right across the political spectrum – with 52%
of Labour voters, 49% of Conservative voters and 52% of Reform
voters.
And it is a particular worry for young workers early in their
career, rising to 62% of workers aged 25-34.
Voters across the board want workers to shape AI
Most workers want a say in how technology and AI is used at work
and the wider economy – as opposed to leaving it to corporate and
shareholder interests.
Half of the public (50%) believe that workers and unions should
have an equal say with business on shaping the future of AI and
technology in the UK – with just 17% opposing.
This is a view held across the political spectrum, and it is
important with key target voters too: 65% of Labour voters, 60%
of Labour voters switching to Reform, and 71% of Labour voters
switching to the Green Party.
Worker first plan
Setting out its plan, the TUC says 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,
through to how it is used in workplaces and who gets a share in
any productivity gains.
The TUC is calling for:
- Conditions attached to the tens of billions of pounds of
public money spent on AI research and development to ensure
workers are supported, rather than deskilled or replaced by AI
tech.
- Ensuring workers secure a ‘digital dividend' of any AI
productivity gains by;
- Empowering workers to shape firms' decision making –
including by putting workers on boards,
- Requiring companies to invest in workforce skills and
training,
- Improving pay and conditions and extending collective
bargaining across the economy.
- Making sure ‘good work' strings are attached to the billions
of pounds of taxpayers' money spent on private sector tech
involvement in public services - bolstering support for the UK's
AI industry, while also building public sector tech capacity
in-house.
- Putting in place the guardrails so that workers are protected
from AI harms at work and ensuring worker involvement in
determining whether and how AI is used, starting with
implementation of the TUC's model AI
Bill.
- Strengthening the UK's social security and skills systems to
be better geared to support those who experience job transitions
as a result of AI disruption – supporting workers to move between
roles without significant financial detriment and allowing them
opportunities to reskill and retrain.
The union body warns that without a “worker-first plan”, AI could
lead to “rampant inequality”, degraded working lives and the
discontent that the far right thrives on.
TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell said:
“AI could have transformative potential – and if developed
properly, workers can benefit from the productivity gains this
technology may bring. But for this to happen workers must be
placed at the heart of AI innovation.
“That means ensuring public money comes with strings attached,
and isn't siphoned away into the pockets of billionaire tech
bosses. It means ensuring workers get a share in any productivity
gains from new technologies. And it means dedicated training and
skills programmes to protect workers in industries that may be
disrupted by AI.
“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.
“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.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Report: Building a Pro-Worker AI
Innovation Strategy
- Polling note: TUC polling, July 2025,
conducted by Survation. Conducted via online panel of 2605 UK
adults aged 18+.
