In response to growing anxieties about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment, particularly among younger demographics, Liz Kendall, the Labour Party’s Technology Secretary, has committed to ensuring that AI development prioritises the interests of workers. Speaking ahead of London Tech Week, Kendall outlined Labour’s vision to actively shape the integration of AI in a way that safeguards jobs and supports those displaced by automation.
Commitment to Workers in the Age of AI
Kendall, who has faced speculation regarding her position in the cabinet, emphasised that the Labour government is focused on making AI beneficial for all, rather than allowing it to disproportionately enrich a select few. “We’ve got to make sure AI enhances work,” she stated. “We are here to support people through the jobs transition and not, like the Conservatives, leave them to cope on their own.”
Her comments come amidst public unease regarding AI’s potential to replace traditional jobs, especially in a landscape where over a million young people are currently classified as not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
Training Initiatives and Support for Disadvantaged Youth
To address these concerns, Kendall revealed modifications to the government’s £187 million TechFirst AI training programme. The revamped initiative aims to reach one million children, with 40% of participants coming from disadvantaged schools. In addition, two new schemes in the north-east and north-west of England will provide summer skills camps for at-risk youths, facilitating their transition into apprenticeship opportunities.
Kendall noted, “We will have a national programme to prevent young people at risk of becoming NEET from falling through the cracks. Our aim is to ensure they receive training that leads to real job opportunities.” These pilot schemes, though modest in scale—initially offering 60 places in the north-west and 20 in the north-east—are expected to expand significantly.
Addressing the Challenges Ahead
Kendall’s proactive stance on AI comes in the wake of an interim report by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, which highlighted the growing social issue of youth unemployment. The report revealed that the number of NEETs has surpassed one million for the first time in a decade, prompting increased calls for action.
Additionally, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, has cautioned that AI could lead to a “tsunami hitting the labour market,” with young people being the hardest hit. However, Kendall remained optimistic, asserting, “Jobs will be created. Jobs will change. And some jobs will go. That is what happens with the introduction of every general-purpose technology.”
Navigating the Future of Digital Policies
While Kendall has been vocal about the need for proactive measures in the face of AI advancement, she has also faced scrutiny regarding the government’s contract with US tech firm Palantir for NHS digitisation. A parliamentary committee has called for the cancellation of this contract, but Kendall deferred the decision to the new Health Secretary, James Murray, acknowledging the importance of digitisation while stressing the need for support for British AI companies.
In a broader context, Kendall is also grappling with issues surrounding social media usage among children. An announcement regarding potential restrictions on social media for users under 16 is expected soon, as the government seeks to respond to parental concerns. “We’re looking at a wider set of issues than just social media,” she explained, noting that the focus includes interactions with AI chatbots and improving age-verification measures.
Why it Matters
The Labour Party’s approach to AI under Liz Kendall reflects a broader commitment to fostering a landscape where technological advancements serve the interests of society as a whole. By prioritising workers and young people in the dialogue around AI, the government is taking steps to mitigate potential job losses and ensure equitable access to opportunities in the evolving job market. As AI continues to reshape industries, the emphasis on inclusivity and support for those most affected will be critical in determining the future of work in the UK.
