The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed six “steps” it is taking to improve JobCentres across the UK, as concerns grow over AI's impact on jobs. The measures were outlined after the department was pressed to explain how it is helping people find work and what the future role of JobCentres will be.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the unemployment rate in the UK is 4.7 per cent. However, there are growing concerns in many industries about the impact AI will have on work and employment. The IMF says around 70 per cent of UK employees are in careers with tasks that AI could have the potential to perform or improve – higher than in America, where there have been protests over the development of data centres needed to power AI.
Six steps to support jobseekers
A government document issued in January said: “Several analyses find that job postings have declined more sharply in occupations with higher AI exposure.” Such fears make the need for government programmes to help get people back into work where AI does cause job losses more important.
On Monday, November 2, DWP minister Andrew Western explained what steps are being taken to help Brits looking for work and how JobCentres can play a key role as they change. The six steps are: work coaches to spot skills gaps in workers; Work Academy Programmes offering pre-employment training and a guaranteed job interview; Skills Bootcamps to develop skills employers are looking for; apprenticeships; local training provision; and work experience placements.
Government's vision for JobCentres
Explaining each of these steps after a question from Redditch MP Chris Bloore, Mr Western said: “DWP is integrating skills support into core Jobcentre Plus services by enabling Work Coaches to identify claimants’ skills gaps and refer jobseekers to provision aligned with labour market demand, including Sector-based Work Academy Programmes, Skills Bootcamps, apprenticeships, local training provision and work experience placements.”
He added: “This is being strengthened through the Government’s reforms to Jobcentre Plus and the development of the new Jobs and Careers Service, with closer alignment between employment support, careers advice and locally available skills provision. Jobcentres also work with employers, colleges, training providers and local partners to help ensure support reflects local and sectoral skills needs.”
Mr Western’s comments were made on the same day that Baroness Sherlock was asked about the future role of JobCentres. She said: “This government is creating a new Jobs and Careers Service: a modern, integrated, digitally enabled employment service that has already brought together Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service in England and is working hand in hand with employers and local partners.”
Baroness Sherlock added: “Careers support has always been available to adults in England and will continue through the DWP Careers Service in England, which is available to everyone regardless of whether they claim benefits. Support can be accessed online, by telephone, or through face-to-face appointments.” DWP will monitor usage of online tools and resources, volume of calls to the careers telephone line and number of appointments conducted to assess demand for the service.
