A report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has warned of a potential “jobs apocalypse” in the UK, with nearly eight million jobs at risk of being lost to AI.
The report highlights that women, younger workers and those on lower wages are particularly vulnerable to automation.
According to the IPPR, entry-level, part-time and administrative positions are most likely to be replaced by AI in the next three to five years under a “worst-case scenario” for technology adoption.
The think-tank also warned that as more companies adopt generative AI technologies capable of automating a range of workplace tasks, the risk to human worker displacement will increase significantly.
Currently, routine cognitive tasks like database management and scheduling are already at risk, threatening roles in secretarial work, administration and customer services.
However, the report also highlighted that the second wave of AI adoption could impact non-routine tasks involving activities like copywriting and graphic design, which could potentially affect higher-earning jobs.
In the worst-case scenario projected by the report, 7.9 million jobs could be displaced, with a knock-on effect of this being zero growth in GDP within three to five years.
However, in a best-case scenario where the workforce is fully augmented with generative AI, no jobs would be lost, and the economy could see a four percent increase, equivalent to about £92bn annually.
The IPPR underscored the importance of government intervention to prevent widespread job losses and to ensure that AI contributes to economic growth and higher living standards.
Carsten Jung, senior economist at IPPR, emphasised that while AI has the potential to be a “gamechanger,” decisive action is needed from government, employers and unions to manage this technological shift effectively.
