In a bold assertion, Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Technology, has affirmed that under a Labour government, artificial intelligence (AI) will be harnessed to support workers rather than displace them. Her comments come as anxiety escalates regarding the potential impact of AI on employment, particularly among younger generations. Kendall’s proactive stance aims to ensure that AI enhances job opportunities and aids those facing unemployment due to automation.
AI and Employment: A Labour Commitment
With public sentiment increasingly wary of AI’s implications for the job market, Kendall emphasised the government’s role in directing how this technology is integrated into the workforce. “We must ensure that AI improves work conditions and provides support during job transitions, unlike the Conservatives, who leave individuals to navigate these changes alone,” she stated.
As Labour prepares for the upcoming London Tech Week, where local and international tech leaders will converge in the capital from 8 June, Kendall is keen to outline Labour’s vision for AI. She noted, “Our collective choices will determine how this technology serves Britain, ensuring it benefits workers, particularly in the most disadvantaged areas, rather than a select few.”
Initiatives for Young People
Kendall announced modifications to the government’s £187 million TechFirst AI training initiative aimed at reaching one million children, with a significant focus on those from underprivileged schools. She introduced two new programmes in the North East and North West of England, designed to provide summer skill camps for young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), or at risk of becoming NEET.
“These pilot schemes, though modest in scale with 60 places in the North West and 20 in the North East, are intended to pave the way for expanded opportunities,” she explained. The aim is to facilitate pathways to apprenticeships for participants. The North East initiative is part of a broader government effort to establish an AI growth zone, funded through Labour’s Youth Guarantee, which offers assistance to young people who have been unemployed for 18 months or longer.
Addressing Young NEETs: A National Challenge
Kendall’s remarks coincide with a recent interim report by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, highlighting a troubling rise in NEET figures, which have surpassed one million for the first time in a decade. The International Monetary Fund’s managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, has warned that AI could act as a “tsunami hitting the labour market,” with the youth most severely affected.
Despite these concerns, Kendall downplayed fears of widespread job losses, asserting, “While some positions will disappear, the introduction of general-purpose technologies has historically resulted in both job creation and transformation.”
Navigating the Future of AI and Social Media
In related discussions, the Commons science, innovation, and technology committee has recommended the government reconsider a substantial contract with US-based tech company Palantir regarding NHS digitisation. Kendall acknowledged the committee’s concerns but stated that the decision to exercise a “break clause” in the contract now rests with the new health secretary, James Murray. She underscored the importance of digitising the NHS for improved patient outcomes while advocating for increased support for British AI enterprises.
Kendall also hinted at forthcoming regulations concerning social media usage among children, with an official announcement expected soon. She has already received overwhelming feedback from parents advocating for tighter restrictions on social media for under-16s. “Our approach goes beyond merely addressing social media; we are considering the full spectrum of online interactions, including AI chatbots and gaming livestreams,” she stated.
Why it Matters
Kendall’s commitment to ensuring AI serves the workforce rather than undermining it is crucial in an era where technological advancements pose both opportunities and challenges. By focusing on educational initiatives and job training for vulnerable demographics, Labour aims to not only alleviate fears surrounding AI but to actively shape a future where technology works in favour of the many, not just a privileged few. This approach holds significant implications for economic equity and the future of work in the UK, making it imperative for policymakers to engage thoughtfully with these pressing issues.
