As employers consider the impact of AI on future recruitment and staffing, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has issued a red flag.
The TUC unveiled its worker-first AI strategy, calling for a seismic step-change in government policy to ensure the coming tech wave works for, not against, employees.
Poll reveals deep anxiety
A recent poll of 2,600 UK adults reveals deep anxiety: 51% fear AI may cost or alter their jobs, with that number spiking to 62% among 25- to 34-year-olds.
The TUC’s strategy is uncompromising. It demands that billions in public funding for AI research and development come with strings attached and guardrails to ensure technology augments rather than undermines the workforce.
Digital dividend
The TUC wants the so-called digital dividend channelled back to workers, through better pay, training, collective bargaining, and even worker representation at board level.
In confronting AI’s risks, the TUC isn’t content with window-dressing. They are calling for new regulation, tougher oversight, and a rebalancing of corporate tax incentives so that businesses invest in labour-supporting AI, not job-hollowing automation.
Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell said: “AI could have transformative potential, and if developed properly, workers can benefit. Left unmanaged and in the wrong hands, the AI revolution could entrench rampant inequality.”
Viewpoint
If the UK wants AI to be a force for broad-based prosperity, the TUC’s blueprint is a good start. The question is will policymakers deliver it, or let technology steamroll the jobs we rely on?
The Labour Party of old would have been all over any threat to jobs. Instead, we have a headless chicken incapable of articulating any argument that connects with voters.
Reform UK has, notably, not yet engaged with or responded to The TUC’s strategy. What says Nigel the Messiah? The impact of AI on the future workforce affords an opportunity to demonstrate Reform has its finger on the pulse.
