In a bold declaration, Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Technology, affirmed that the Labour Party will prioritise the interests of workers as artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to evolve. Amid rising anxiety about the potential job losses linked to automation, particularly among younger generations, Kendall expressed confidence that the government has a role in shaping AI adoption in a manner that benefits all citizens.
Government Commitment to Workers
Kendall articulated her vision during a recent address in Whitehall, where she stressed the importance of ensuring that AI enhances employment opportunities rather than diminishes them. “We must ensure AI enhances work: that we help people through the jobs transition, and we’re not like the Conservatives, who just leave people to cope on their own,” she said. This emphasis on worker support comes at a crucial time, as public apprehension about the implications of AI for job security is palpable.
With the London Tech Week fast approaching, set to begin on 8 June, Kendall sought to delineate Labour’s proactive stance on AI. She noted, “It’s up to us, collectively, to choose, to act, to make this in a way that works for Britain; and as a Labour government, to make sure that it works for workers and people living in the most disadvantaged areas, not just a powerful, unaccountable few.”
Training Initiatives and Youth Engagement
As part of Labour’s strategy, Kendall highlighted the revised £187 million TechFirst AI training scheme aimed at engaging one million children, with a notable commitment to ensure that 40% of participants come from disadvantaged schools. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for equitable access to technological education.
Additionally, Kendall announced two new programmes in the north-east and north-west of England, designed to create summer skills camps for young people who are not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET). While initially small, with only 60 places in the north-west and 20 in the north-east, these camps aim to provide essential skills and pathways to apprenticeships. “We will have a national programme to prevent young people who are at risk of becoming NEET from falling through the cracks, ensuring they get a free summer skills programme that we hope will lead many to an apprenticeship,” she explained.
The north-east initiative is part of a broader government effort to establish an AI growth zone in the region, funded through Labour’s Youth Guarantee, which pledges support for young individuals who have been unemployed for 18 months or longer.
The Bigger Picture: Addressing Concerns of Job Displacement
Kendall’s remarks come on the heels of a report by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, which revealed that the number of young NEETs has exceeded one million for the first time in a decade. This alarming statistic has prompted urgent discussions about the challenges posed by technology in the workforce. Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, has warned that AI could unleash a “tsunami” on the labour market, disproportionately affecting younger workers.
Despite these fears, 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.” This sentiment aims to reassure the public that while the landscape of employment may shift, opportunities will also arise.
Navigating the Digital Landscape: Social Media and Children’s Safety
In addition to her comments on AI, Kendall addressed another pressing issue: the government’s ongoing consultation regarding the regulation of social media platforms for users under the age of 16. While she refrained from revealing specifics, she acknowledged that there has been overwhelming parental support for action in this area.
Kendall emphasised that the government is not solely focused on social media but is also examining broader aspects of children’s online interactions, including the risks associated with AI chatbots and online gaming. “We’re considering a wide array of issues, including better age-verification measures and the implications of stranger pairing in gaming,” she asserted.
This comprehensive approach reflects a determination to not merely react to technology but to actively shape its development and impact. “The choice isn’t between having AI or trying to stop it; it’s about shaping it to work for us or being left at its mercy,” she concluded.
Why it Matters
Kendall’s commitment to making AI a tool for worker empowerment rather than a source of job loss is crucial in a rapidly changing economic landscape. As automation becomes more pervasive, the government’s proactive stance on training and support will play a significant role in ensuring that all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, are not left behind. This approach not only addresses the immediate concerns of job displacement but also lays the groundwork for a more equitable future where technological advancements benefit everyone.