A recent study conducted by the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW), Imperial College London, and Warwick Business School has found that artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies have had a positive impact on job creation in the United Kingdom.
Over 75% of surveyed firms, comprising more than 1,000 UK companies, reported that the adoption of AI, robotics, and automated equipment has led to the creation of new job roles within their organizations. Additionally, a majority of these firms stated that job quality had improved as a result of AI adoption. This challenges concerns about AI-induced job losses and highlights the transformative potential of technology.
The report underscores the widespread adoption of AI across UK firms, with 78% of companies confirming that AI and automation directly contributed to the creation of new jobs. The study refutes sensationalized headlines predicting massive job losses due to automation, emphasizing that jobs are evolving rather than disappearing.
However, the research also raises concerns about the pace of automation’s spread, which could exacerbate regional inequalities in the UK, particularly between London and other regions. These disparities have long been recognized, with London experiencing higher quality of life and innovation compared to other areas.
The study calls for urgent policy interventions to address the potential risks and harness opportunities presented by automation. While AI has the potential to drive job growth and improve job quality, addressing regional disparities will be critical to ensuring a more equitable and prosperous future for the UK’s workforce. The report highlights the need for a balanced approach to AI adoption that considers both the positive impact on jobs and the potential challenges associated with regional inequalities.
