Almost 8 million UK jobs could be lost to artificial intelligence in a 'jobs apocalypse', according to a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The thinktank warns that women, younger workers, and those on lower wages are most at risk from automation.
The IPPR analysed 22,000 tasks across the economy and found that 11% of tasks currently done by workers are at risk in the first wave of AI adoption. This could rise to 59% in a second wave as technology advances. Routine cognitive tasks like database management, scheduling, and stocktaking are already vulnerable, potentially displacing entry-level and part-time jobs in secretarial, administrative, and customer service roles.
In a worst-case scenario for the second wave, 7.9 million jobs could be displaced, with zero GDP growth within three to five years. However, a best-case scenario with full workforce augmentation could see no job losses and a 4% boost to the economy, worth about £92 billion a year.
The report emphasises that government action can prevent a 'jobs apocalypse' and harness AI for economic growth. Carsten Jung, IPPR senior economist, said: 'Technology isn't destiny and a jobs apocalypse is not inevitable – government, employers and unions have the opportunity to make crucial design decisions now.'
