AI to transform 61% of UK jobs, boost economy by £400bn, Google reports
26 July 2024
Image courtesy of Centropy PR
Recent Google research reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) could radically change the landscape of the UK job market within the next six years.
However, only a small fraction of jobs are at risk of being ‘phased out’ entirely, according to new research from Google.
The study highlights that 31 percent of jobs are protected from automation, particularly in sectors such as social care and hospitality where human involvement remains crucial.
Debbie Weinstean, Managing Director of Google UK emphasises the importance of adopting AI tools to enhance workplace efficiency. "Currently, fewer than 50 percent of people are utilising these tools daily.
“To unlock the full potential of AI, it's crucial that we equip people with the skills and confidence to use these technologies,” Weinstein stated.
Sheila Flavell CBE, COO for FDM Group, commented: "The UK needs a new wave of AI experts to support advancements in generative AI and ensure businesses adopt it in a safe and trustworthy manner.
“Gen Z, especially, will play a vital role in the development and evolution of generative AI, challenging the status quo and redefining the way we work by implementing AI to support their day-to-day."
In collaboration with Enterprise National and multi-academy trusts, Google is looking into ways to effectively incorporate AI into workplaces, ensuring the technology serves to boost workers' capabilities, rather than replace them.
Minister for AI, Feryal Clark MP commented: "Speeding up the diffusion of AI throughout our economy will be key to kickstarting growth, transforming our public services, and delivering new opportunities for working people across the country.
“Just as important, is making sure we bring people along with us and build a workforce which is fit for the future by delivering the AI skills training which will help careers to flourish and businesses to grow – this will help us do just that."
Meanwhile, John Kirk, CSO for ITG, commented: "Marketers are being tasked with creating higher volumes of personalised content than ever before and AI technology, especially, can play a crucial role in scaling content creation to meet rising demands.
“Harnessing AI tools can enhance creativity by creating tailored suggestions, images and branding when building digital experiences and content, using brand guidelines to shape assets and ensure brand compliance at all times."
The adoption of AI could potentially add over £400 billion to the UK economy over the next six years, equating to an annual growth rate of 2.6 percent, saving the average worker up to 100 hours per year.
Derek Mackenzie, CEO of Investigo, part of The IN Group, commented: "AI is an extremely powerful tool that looks set to revolutionise the workforce and business leaders must recognise the effect it will have on the key industries.
“By integrating AI carefully, we can enhance productivity and create new job opportunities, rather than displacing existing ones.
“AI should be viewed as a tool that complements workers, enabling us to achieve greater efficiency and innovation."