AI Impact On UK: 8 Million Jobs In Trouble; Almost 60% Population Will Loose Jobs!!

The United Kingdom faces a significant employment upheaval due to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), approximately 8 million workers in the UK are at risk of losing their jobs if the government fails to implement policies that safeguard human employment.

AI is already impacting 11% of tasks performed by UK employees, and this figure is projected to soar to nearly 60% if companies further integrate AI technology. While part-time, entry-level, and back-office roles, such as customer service, are particularly vulnerable, even higher-paying positions will increasingly feel the impact.

The UK government must urgently address this challenge. As businesses increasingly turn to AI for efficiency gains, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced an £800 million investment in technology and AI to enhance public-sector productivity. However, without proactive measures from the government, employers, and unions, there is a genuine risk of a “jobs apocalypse” as AI transforms the workforce.

The IPPR report underscores the critical role of government policy in shaping the impact of AI adoption on the labor market. Properly designed policies can allow AI to contribute significantly to economic growth without causing job losses. Conversely, without intervention, AI adoption could lead to the displacement of millions of jobs in the UK, with no corresponding economic benefits.

To bridge the gap between existing skills and those required in the age of AI, the UK urgently needs upskilling initiatives. Investing in skills development and formulating an industrial AI strategy are essential steps to facilitate job transitions and ensure equitable distribution of automation benefits across the economy13. The future of work in the UK hinges on thoughtful policy decisions that balance technological progress with the well-being of workers.