Tech revolution to break down barriers for working people, says PM
|
PM pledges ‘no community left behind' as government harnesses tech
to fire up positive change for British people New AI tool to help
people into work as part of wider government drive to break down
barriers to opportunity Government backing British businesses to
put UK at the forefront of the next tech revolution AI will be put
into the service of the British public, Prime Minister Keir Starmer
will set out today [Monday 8th June], as he outlines how
this...Request free trial
AI will be put into the service of the British public, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will set out today [Monday 8th June], as he outlines how this government will harness the opportunities of new technologies to fight for working people's interests at every stage of their lives. In a speech today, he will set out how governments have a choice in who they put first in their response to the rapid pace of technological change. This government chooses the side of working people, where our decisions are already supporting and accelerating Britain's strengths in innovation so that the UK's leadership in tech around the world delivers opportunity for everyone across the country. Emerging technologies also have huge potential to help close the disadvantage gap and tackle inequalities. In his speech, the PM will reaffirm the government's commitment to channelling innovation so that it helps make life easier and fairer for people at every stage of life. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “No one doubts the huge potential of tech to change lives. But we have to decide who that change is for. This government's choice is clear: the tech revolution must work for everyone, not just a privileged few.
“We're backing British businesses to lead the way, driving growth and investment that turns into more jobs and stronger communities. And we're using tech to bring opportunity to every corner of the country – helping people into work, tackling inequalities, boosting skills and building a fairer future.” This includes using AI to help people get into work and find secure, rewarding jobs. The PM will announce the launch of a suite of innovative online tools built by DWP to help people into work. These will act as a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket', providing personalised job and career advice. The AI work assistant, launching online in a limited public trial, will help people to identify their skills and the steps they could take to find a job or progress in their career. The tool will provide a 24/7 resource for people, offering guidance on topics such as career development, job searching and applications. The trial will last for around three months, to gather data and feedback on how people are using the service so that it can be adapted and improved as necessary. The package of online resources also includes a CV builder to help people make a professional resume, giving them the confidence and support to be application ready. A job search tool is also available to help people find vacancies suited to their individual circumstances, making it easier to find opportunities. The tools will allow people to input their skills, strengths and qualifications so that they can be directed towards roles best suited for them, setting them up for progress in their careers. This follows on from the steps government is already taking to equip people with the skills they need for the jobs of the future and tackle the disadvantage gap, ensuring no one is left behind. That includes the government's ongoing work to co-create AI tutoring tools in partnership with world leading ed-tech companies, AI start ups and front-line teachers, giving thousands more children access to one to one support. Tutoring can improve a child's attainment by the equivalent of up to five months of studying, but currently access is limited to the privileged minority who can afford it. Since opening applications earlier this year, today government can confirm that over 50 AI and Edtech organisations – including some of the world's leading start ups - have currently bid to develop these tools. Up to 8 organisations will be selected to will receive a share of £2.4 million to design and build the next generation of AI tutoring tech. Starting in the summer term, these will then be rolled out schools from Autumn 2027, supporting up to 450,000 children on free school meals per year. The PM will also make clear that his government will leave no community behind. He will pledge that the tech revolution can and should deliver for everyone, and set out how the government is backing young people and workers in every part of the UK to benefit. His speech comes alongside government's wider work to tackle youth unemployment and barriers to work, including through the Jobs Guarantee which will create jobs for long-term unemployed young people in six areas and will expand across Great Britain later this year. The PM will also commit to smashing down barriers to growth so that every part of the UK feels the benefits. He will set out how this government backing British business so that companies can scale, grow and compete globally, delivering economic growth back home that pays back into local communities and opens up opportunities around the country. The UK has the third largest tech ecosystem in the world. The UK has over 200 unicorn companies - start-ups worth over $1bn – with only the US and China reaching that level too, and this year British startups have raised almost half of all European investment in technology, more than France, Germany and the Netherlands. Just last week, home grown British quantum computing company Oxford Quantum Circuits announced one of Europe's largest ever funding rounds for the quantum sector with £260 million raised, including £100m from the British Business Bank. To turbocharge the tech sector and fuel the wider economy, this government has capped corporation tax at 25%, the lowest rate in the G7, given a £4bn access to finance boost for SMEs, and unlocked billions of investment through our new Industrial Strategy. The government has already announced AI Growth Zones in Culham, North East England, Lanarkshire, and North and South Wales, unlocking up to £100 billon of investment, working with developers to get data centres built in these places, and investing in innovative UK companies. Through Sovereign AI we are also backing Britain's smartest founders and keeping the future of AI built on British shores – driving growth and creating jobs across the UK. Thanks to our actions, the UK now has the fastest growing economy in the G7 – further proof that the government has the right economic plan in place to drive the growth needed to drive prosperity in every part of the country. ENDS Notes to editors:
Announcements today build on government's existing plans to back young people and workers through tech innovation, including:
The government is also delivering widespread reform to unlock 50,000 more apprenticeship opportunities for young people, including:
|