Almost 8 million UK jobs could be lost to artificial intelligence in a 'jobs apocalypse', according to a report warning that women, younger workers and those on lower wages are at most risk from automation.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said that entry level, part-time and administrative jobs were most exposed to being replaced by AI under a 'worst-case scenario' for the rollout of new technologies in the next three to five years.
The thinktank warned that the UK was facing a 'sliding doors' moment as growing numbers of companies adopt generative AI technologies – which can read and create text, data and software code – to automate everyday workplace tasks.
Analysing 22,000 tasks in the economy covering every type of job, the IPPR said 11% of tasks currently done by workers were at risk. This could, though, increase to 59% of tasks in the second wave as technologies develop to handle increasingly complex processes.
Women would be significantly more affected, as 'they are more likely to work in the most exposed occupations, such as secretarial and administrative occupations', the IPPR said.
Carsten Jung, senior economist at IPPR, said: 'Already existing generative AI could lead to big labour market disruption or it could hugely boost economic growth. Either way, it is set to be a gamechanger for millions of us. But technology isn't destiny and a jobs apocalypse is not inevitable – government, employers and unions have the opportunity to make crucial design decisions now that ensure we manage this new technology well. If they don't act soon, it may be too late.'
