Recent news revealed a startling statistic: up to 8 million jobs in the UK may be in jeopardy thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), with a particular concern for the vulnerability of low-skilled workers. The mounting apprehension surrounding AI and its capacity to replace jobs has been escalating over recent years, and this latest report is likely to intensify these AI fears even further.
It’s crucial to note that the report outlined this eight million job loss situation with no GDP benefits as the worst-case scenario. Alternatively, an intermediate scenario projected 4.4 million job losses accompanied by a 6.3% increase in GDP. These figures prompt us to ponder: Can there really be an equilibrium between technological growth and job market stability?
To gain insights into this matter, we turned to the experts to understand how AI might genuinely impact the UK job market and explore potential strategies for mitigating its implications.
Our Experts:
- Matt Aird, CTO at Custom Neon
- Antonina Burlachenko, Head of Quality and Regulatory Consulting at Star Global
- Angela Brown, Founder and CEO of FinFlare
- Leon Gordon, CEO of Onyx Data
- Amy Lester, Typing and Tasks Limited
- Lawrence Harmer, Founder and Director at Solve
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Vee Khuu, AI Consultant & Trainer
- Tarja Stephens & Janna Salokangas, Co-Founders at Mission Impact Academy
- Ed Vigars, Operations Director at Gi Group
- Nguyen Xuan Phong, Chief AI Officer at FPT Software
- Professor Alessandro Di Nuovo, Professor of Machine Intelligence at Sheffield Hallam University
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Matt Aird, CTO at Custom Neon
“Important concerns about how we should get ready for the future of work are raised by the disturbing report that up to 8 million jobs in the UK may be at risk from AI advancements. At Custom Neon, we view AI as a tool to augment human capabilities, not replace them. Adaptability, a dedication to lifelong learning, and a willingness to accept the new roles that AI will surely create will be necessary for managing this transition.
“Building human-specific talents like creative problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communication should take precedence over learning technological skills. As AI begins to take over many different sectors, the value of these abilities will only increase.
“IT proficiency is becoming more and more important for a wide range of business kinds. Gaining new abilities and keeping up with developing trends might provide you with a competitive edge because the job market is changing constantly.
“Being ready to move into new roles that AI and technology developments may generate is just as important as staying ahead in your current role in protecting yourself against the possible job displacement caused by these technologies.”
Antonina Burlachenko, Head of Quality and Regulatory Consulting at Star Global
”It’s hard for governments to regulate for the protection of jobs in private businesses, but one way in which they can do so is to pass legislation mandating businesses to have human oversight over all critical uses of AI. This also ensures businesses have checks and balances in place should an AI not act as anticipated.
“We should be focusing on upskilling people in human-centric skills which AI cannot be capable of. Skills such as making sound and rational judgements, communication skills, empathy, intuition and morality should be invested in. Our education system may need to move towards focusing more on subjects such as philosophy, critical thinking and decision-making.
“AI is going to be able to provide strong predictions and data analysis for business decisions but we’re going to need stronger judgements than ever to comprehend all the data we’ll be surrounded by.
“There’s also a responsibility on government and enterprise to manage fear and demystify AI technology among the public. People need to be educated about how scared to be or not to be, and to get them thinking of what the future landscape will look like so they can make rational decisions about their careers.”
Angela Brown, Founder and CEO of FinFlare
In the dynamic world of finance, AI often takes the spotlight for its potential to transform operations. Yet, amidst the excitement, one truth remains the irreplaceable essence of the human touch:
“Beyond AI’s efficiency lies the art of storytelling, human connection, and empathetic guidance crucial for navigating business complexities,
“In our industry, the CFO’s duty extends beyond crunching numbers; they craft the company’s narrative, aligning figures with vision. In times of triumph or challenge, it’s the CFO’s human presence that offers solace and insight, qualities AI lacks.
“Moreover, CFO’s serve as a strategic advisor, not just a data analyst. Their empathy and intuition shape effective leadership, traits beyond AI’s reach.
“While technology advances, human connection remains paramount. The enduring value of human judgement amid automation’s rise will forever be both preferred and necessary.”
Leon Gordon, CEO of Onyx Data
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Amy Lester, Typing and Tasks Limited
“For administrative-based roles and whether there is a threat of jobs being cut due to AI I still feel like we are a long way off a time where that is a reality. What is a pressing danger, is those administrative professionals (such as Virtual Assistants, and Executive Assistants) who adopt AI and integrate it into their working patterns. Those who are ahead of the curve with AI are the ones who will be taking the jobs away from those who are late adopters.
“In my opinion, Administration, particularly Executive Support, will always require human input. In addition to this, there are still a lot of ethical and security-based concerns to consider as well as questions about confidentiality. My advice to those administrative professionals that I mentor is to treat AI platforms like a brand-new junior employee – you wouldn’t tell them everything about the Executive team and reveal all of the highly-sensitive company information to them; you should act the same way with AI. The best way to protect yourself in an administrative role right now is to learn how to use AI to position yourself strategically within your organisation or with the people you support.
Lawrence Harmer, Founder & Director at Solve
“I have a digital agency called Solve.co.uk, we help other leading digital agencies and independent business owners with SEO and optimised web design. We do use AI daily and it’s incredibly powerful, however, we need a flexible approach with our work to keep ahead of the curve. AI doesn’t have an emotional connection, people connect with people, so we often find that human output is ultimately better than AI’s. Yes, it can speed things up, but it doesn’t meet the high standards of a human. So, we’re employing more people than ever before and actually in pitches we advertise that our stuff is built by humans which we feel gives an edge.
“So, here are some tips that work for us: Keeping up to date with AI – it’s an ever-evolving new thing that has lots of opportunities and so you can embrace that. Keep up to date, do lots of learning. Be flexible with new trends as, again, it brings opportunity and you can jump on that if you have insight into what AI can do for you. Also, there are lots of new businesses that will be started, or are being started, because of AI – there is a lot of opportunity. I think the ultimate is just being a human, being unique, being high-quality, and creating connections. Have empathy, be a human.”
Vee Khuu, AI Consultant & Trainer
“The AI revolution, following the agricultural, industrial, and computational revolutions, threatens to disrupt the job market. Workers must embrace upskilling and learn AI quickly to stay relevant in this technological upheaval.
“Prompt engineer” was unheard of just eighteen months ago. Now, companies scramble to hire these AI-savvy professionals, offering hefty salaries to $300,000 annually. This rapid shift in demand highlights the urgency of acquiring AI skills.
“AI proficiency is not just a shield against job loss; it’s a trigger for productivity. Mastering AI tools makes individuals indispensable to their employers. As technology advances, new roles emerge, creating exciting opportunities for those willing to learn and adapt.
“History is littered with examples of jobs replaced by innovation. Alarm clocks ousted Knocker-ups, mechanical setters replaced bowling pinsetters, and electric lighting rendered lamplighters obsolete.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just about taking away jobs; it can also improve our lives. AI has the potential to help us overcome some of the most significant problems facing humanity today, such as developing personalized medical treatments and creating sustainable energy sources. By embracing AI, we can protect our jobs and work towards a better future for everyone.”
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Tarja Stephens & Janna Salokangas, Co-Founders at Mission Impact Academy
“The recent revelation that up to 8 million UK jobs might be at risk due to AI advancements is a wake-up call to the urgent need for comprehensive skills development in the face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. At Mia, we understand the complexities this transformation introduces, particularly for women in non-technical roles who are disproportionately affected by automation.
“Our philosophy extends beyond merely reacting to technological advancements; we advocate for a proactive approach to embracing AI as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Education and upskilling are at the forefront of this transition, equipping individuals with the skills to navigate and leverage AI, ensuring they remain indispensable in an evolving job market.
“It’s imperative to foster a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability, emphasising not only technical AI skills but also the human skills that AI cannot replicate. By cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence, we can create a resilient workforce ready to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by AI.
“Mia is committed to leading this educational transformation, supporting individuals to thrive in an AI-enhanced future, and advocating for policies that ensure equitable access to learning and development opportunities across the board.”
Ed Vigars, Operations Director at Gi Group
“As AI continue to emerge and develop apace, naturally this has caused concern for people who have apprehensions about the replacement of roles. The extent of the impact AI will have on the future workplace is unknown and it’s important to remember will vary depending on the type of work and sector.
“Our advice from an HR and recruitment perspective is to view AI as an exciting prospect, something that we will all work in synergy with, empowering people to do their roles more effectively and efficiently. While AI has plenty of advantages, real employees will always be vital to the future of the workplace, as certain human skills and qualities are irreplaceable.
“Despite this, it’s vital to be forward-thinking. We recommend that people act now to prepare themselves for the future workplace. In the coming years, employers will be identifying areas where they have a skills gap and finding ways to fix this. Be proactive and ensure you’re upskilling in the right places to meet your employer’s future needs. Look into transferable skills such as analytical and creative thinking as they are predicted to become extremely valuable to employers. The responsibility will then fall to managers to provide access to such training, a trend we predict to be a big part of HR plans for 2024 and beyond.”
Nguyen Xuan Phong, Chief AI Officer at FPT Software
“AI is evidently impacting job security. However, we should view this as an opportunity rather than a threat. While AI takes over tasks traditionally performed by humans, it also frees us to focus on higher-order jobs that require creativity and critical thinking. This further enables organisations to enhance efficiency and innovation on a large scale.
“So, instead of fearing replacement, it’s crucial to quickly adapt to the changes, especially in areas related to new technology, to keep our skills up-to-date and remain valuable in this constantly evolving job market.
“AI is not just a tool but a collaborative partner, empowering us to achieve greater results together.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
Professor Alessandro Di Nuovo, Professor of Machine Intelligence at Sheffield Hallam University
“The IPPR predicts that significant increases in jobs, huge wage and GDP gains are also possible if the right government policy will be adopted for supporting the adoption of AI. Indeed, estimates from a recent report by London Economics for the UK BEIS department estimate £143.5 billion as the potential contribution that could be achieved if the full automation potential is reached by 2035. Jobs will be lost only in the worst-case scenario when no measures will be adopted to support workers to embrace the AI revolution.
“People should not be left alone in this revolution. The government should support workers in acquiring complementary capabilities that AI can’t automate, such as critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and effective communication. This can be achieved by promoting lifelong learning among and directly funding further and higher education institutions for the creation of new flexible courses aimed at re-skilling current workers. They should. Crucially, new research funding should be added to focus on human-centred development of new technologies, which should be designed in a way that is easy to use and understandable by the workers who will be affected.”
For any questions, comments or features, please contact us directly.
