Is Britain prepared for the biggest change to the world of work since the internet? Three ministers answer BTC questions on AI in the UK
AI is advancing far faster than Britain is adopting it, and far faster than we’re preparing workers for what comes next. Artificial intelligence is already changing the world of work. The question is whether Britain is ready.
Meeting details
AI revenues have more than doubled in just two years and employment in the sector has risen by more than 70%.
Yet most British businesses still aren’t using AI, while around 70% of workers are employed in jobs where AI could reshape the tasks they perform – or potentially replace them altogether.
The Business and Trade Committee will ask ministers whether Government has a credible plan to help businesses adopt AI while ensuring workers are equipped for one of the biggest technological transitions in decades.
- AI related business revenues more than doubled in the three years since the UK started tracking AI activity across the economy to £23.9 billion in 2024
- AI related employment went from 50,000 to 86,000 in 2024
- Only one in four UK businesses currently uses AI and 69% do not plan to within the next three months. Over half do not currently consider AI to be relevant to their operations
- Around 70% of workers are in jobs where AI could replace or augment their work (compared to about 60% in the US)
In the final session of its inquiry into Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce, the Committee will question dotcom pioneer Baroness Lane-Fox, skills and employment experts, unions and the Government ministers for employment, small business and for AI and online safety.
It will seek a snapshot of the current and predicted impacts of AI on the UK labour market, including job quality, wages, workforce transitions and skills needs. It will look at the adequacy of Government actions and plans to support workers and employers through major technological change.
Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “The race for AI leadership won’t be won by inventing the best technology. It will be won by preparing the best workforce.
“Artificial intelligence won’t just transform the tech sector. It will transform every single sector of our economy
“The prize is enormous. AI could help raise productivity, create better jobs and strengthen Britain’s competitiveness. But without a serious plan for skills, adoption and workforce transition, too many businesses will be left behind and too many workers left anxious about the future.
“Our inquiry is asking a simple question: is Britain preparing for the biggest change to the world of work since the internet? This hearing is an opportunity for ministers to show they have a plan not just for building AI, but for helping every business and every worker succeed in an AI economy.”