Almost 8 million UK jobs could be lost to artificial intelligence in a 'jobs apocalypse', according to a report from 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 all job types 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 AI technologies develop to handle more complex processes. Entry-level, part-time and administrative jobs are most exposed, including secretarial work, customer services and database management.
Under a worst-case scenario for the second wave, 7.9 million jobs could be displaced within three to five years, with any productivity gains cancelled out and zero GDP growth. In a best-case scenario, no jobs would be lost and the economy could grow by 4% (£92 billion a year) if AI is used to augment the workforce.
The IPPR said government action could prevent a 'jobs apocalypse' and help harness AI to boost growth. Senior economist Carsten Jung stated: '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.'
