In an era marked by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), Labour’s Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, has articulated a proactive strategy aimed at ensuring that AI technologies benefit the workforce rather than displace it. Amid rising anxiety regarding job losses, particularly among younger generations, Kendall emphasised the government’s role in steering AI adoption to foster positive outcomes for workers and communities.
A Commitment to Workers
Addressing the growing public concern about the implications of AI on employment, Kendall asserted that the Labour government intends to safeguard workers from the potential fallout of automation. “We’ve got to make sure AI enhances work: that we help people through the jobs transition,” she stated, contrasting Labour’s approach with that of the Conservative government, which she accused of neglecting those left behind by technological changes.
Kendall’s remarks come ahead of London Tech Week, where a blend of local companies, American tech giants, and policymakers are set to convene from 8 June to discuss the future of technology in Britain. The Technology Secretary highlighted the importance of a Labour-led initiative that prioritises the needs of workers, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions.
Fostering Opportunities for Young People
A central element of Labour’s strategy is the £187 million TechFirst AI training programme, which Kendall revealed has been recalibrated to ensure that 40% of its beneficiaries will come from underprivileged schools. This adjustment aims to provide equitable access to training and skills development for children who might otherwise miss out on opportunities in the burgeoning tech sector.
Kendall also introduced two pilot schemes in the north-east and north-west of England, designed to provide summer skills camps for young individuals at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment, or training). While these initial programmes will offer limited placements—60 in the north-west and 20 in the north-east—the ambition is to scale these initiatives significantly. “We will have a national programme to prevent young people who are at risk of becoming NEET,” she explained, underscoring the initiative’s focus on creating pathways to apprenticeships.
Addressing the Youth Unemployment Crisis
This renewed focus on youth employment is timely, as recent statistics reveal the number of young NEETs has surged past one million for the first time in a decade. Alan Milburn’s recent interim report highlighted the urgency of tackling this pressing social challenge. Kendall is keenly aware of the stakes, stating, “We have got to ensure that everybody has got a chance to seize the opportunities from AI.”
The impact of AI on the job market has been a topic of intense debate, with Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, describing AI as a “tsunami hitting the labour market,” with young people poised to be the most affected demographic. However, Kendall sought to temper fears of widespread job losses, 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.”
The Digital Future of the NHS
Kendall also addressed concerns related to the government’s collaboration with US tech firm Palantir for NHS digitisation. The Commons science, innovation, and technology committee has called for the cancellation of this contract, citing various issues. Although Kendall acknowledged these concerns, she maintained that the decision would ultimately rest with the new health secretary, James Murray. She firmly stated, “Having our NHS digitised is really important. It’s really important to improve outcomes for patients and to make doctors and nurses’ lives easier.”
Furthermore, she reiterated Labour’s commitment to bolstering British AI firms, signalling a desire to foster domestic innovation alongside necessary technological partnerships.
Balancing AI and Child Safety Online
Looking beyond employment, Kendall is also facing the challenge of regulating social media usage among children. With a government consultation on the potential ban of social media for under-16s looming, she noted that parents have overwhelmingly called for action. The government is exploring comprehensive solutions that extend beyond mere social media restrictions to include issues like age verification and interactions with AI chatbots.
Kendall emphasised the need for a proactive stance in the face of rapidly evolving technology, stating, “Too much of this debate is as if this is being done to us, and we say yes or no. The choice is between shaping it to work for us or being left at its mercy and its whim.”
Why it Matters
As AI continues to reshape the world of work, the policies introduced by Labour under Liz Kendall’s guidance could significantly influence the future landscape of employment in the UK. By focusing on equitable access to technology training, fostering opportunities for young people, and addressing the implications of AI on various sectors, Labour aims to create a framework that ensures the benefits of AI are shared widely, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few. This approach could not only alleviate fears surrounding job displacement but also empower a new generation to thrive in an increasingly automated economy.
