According to the IPPR think tank, women, younger employees, and those with lower wages are most vulnerable to the impacts of artificial intelligence
A report suggests that nearly 8 million jobs in the UK could be lost to artificial intelligence in a “jobs apocalypse.” The report warns that women, younger workers, and those with lower wages are most at risk from automation.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) stated that entry-level, part-time, and administrative positions are most susceptible to being replaced by AI in a “worst-case scenario” for the implementation of new technologies over the next three to five years.
The think tank cautioned that the UK is at a crucial juncture, akin to a “sliding doors” moment, as more companies embrace generative AI technologies. These technologies, capable of reading and generating text, data, and software code, are being used to automate routine workplace duties.
The report noted that the initial phase of AI adoption is already endangering jobs as more companies incorporate the technology. However, a subsequent phase could result in the automation of additional jobs due to rapid advancements in AI.
By examining 22,000 tasks across various job types, the IPPR found that 11% of tasks currently performed by workers are at risk. This figure could potentially rise to 59% of tasks in the second phase as technologies evolve to manage more complex processes.
The report highlighted that routine cognitive tasks, such as database management, scheduling, and stocktaking, are currently at risk, potentially displacing entry-level and part-time positions in secretarial work, administration, and customer services.
However, the second phase of AI adoption could affect non-routine tasks like database creation, copywriting, and graphic design, impacting higher-earning jobs.
Women would be disproportionately affected, as they are more likely to work in occupations such as secretarial and administrative roles, which are most exposed to automation, according to the IPPR.
The report emphasized that routine cognitive tasks, such as database management, scheduling, and stocktaking, are currently at risk, which could lead to the displacement of entry-level and part-time positions in secretarial work, administration, and customer services.
However, the second phase of AI adoption could impact non-routine tasks, such as database creation, copywriting, and graphic design, affecting higher-earning jobs.
Women would be disproportionately affected, as they are more likely to work in occupations such as secretarial and administrative roles, which are most susceptible to automation, according to the IPPR.
Raising concerns about its impact on workers, the left-of-center think tank emphasized that government action could prevent a “jobs apocalypse” and help harness the power of AI to enhance economic growth and improve living standards.
Carsten Jung, senior economist at IPPR, stated, “Existing generative AI could either cause significant labor market disruption or greatly enhance economic growth. In either scenario, it is poised to be a gamechanger for millions of people.
“However, technology is not predetermined, and a jobs apocalypse is not unavoidable. Government, employers, and unions have the opportunity to make critical design decisions now to ensure we effectively manage this new technology. If they do not act soon, it may be too late.”