The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) could threaten up to almost 8 million jobs in the United Kingdom without government measures that instead incentivize work to be enriched through technology, according to a study on Wednesday.
In a worst-case scenario, up to 7.9 million jobs could ultimately disappear, both in low- and high-skilled functions, ranging from secretarial work to data management or graphics, and be replaced by algorithms. , according to the study by the IPPR think tank.
Such an
“apocalypse”
for jobs can, however, be avoided with the help of tax measures that would encourage jobs to be enriched with new functions while some are automated.
The study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) also recommends favoring “green”
jobs
which it says are less exposed to automation.
“Generative AI could lead to enormous disruptions in the labor market or, conversely, boost economic growth
,” argues Carsten Jung, economist at IPPR.
Also read: Will artificial intelligence save the planet?
Uncertain GDP gain
The report states that 11% of tasks are already exposed to a first wave of automation which threatens part-time jobs, entry-level jobs in the company, mainly occupied by young people, by women.
Positions in data management, planning, inventory management, consumer service or administration are particularly threatened by this first phase.
During a second wave, where AI would be integrated into increasingly sophisticated professions, the study estimates that 59% of
“cognitive”
tasks could be affected, which would concern jobs with higher salaries (creation of databases for example, or graphics).
If London acts with protective measures, the IPPR estimates that positions could be enriched, which would not lead to job losses but would generate a GDP gain of 13% by boosting productivity.
Conversely, the most job-destroying scenario would not lead to any GDP gain, the study projects.
The deployment of AI can also help alleviate shortages in social services, for example by allocating workers to social assistance and mental health care instead of employing them in administrative tasks, notes the IPPR.