London Tread the Line Between Technological Advancement and Job Disruption as Sadiq Khan Warns of 'Colossal' Impact of AI.
A "colossal" transformation is looming over London's job market as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the city's economy, with Mayor Sadiq Khan sounding a warning bell for ministers. In his annual Mansion House speech, Khan will emphasize the urgent need to prepare for an era of mass unemployment triggered by AI.
As the capital's reliance on white-collar workers in finance and creative industries intensifies, Kahn notes that 70% of skills in average jobs are forecasted to change by 2030. While AI holds immense potential benefits, including enhancing public services and boosting productivity, Khan cautions against reckless adoption, which could instead lead to a 'new era of mass unemployment.'
The Mayor's plea is clear: seize the potential of AI as a transformative tool for good or face the consequences. He will highlight research suggesting that AI can replace 70% of skills in jobs by 2030 and warns business leaders that if not harnessed wisely, it may prove to be a 'weapon of mass destruction' for London's jobs.
London is already bracing itself for the impact, with over half of workers anticipating some form of job disruption due to AI within the next 12 months. The city has launched an AI and Future of Work taskforce, which aims to assess London's vulnerability and collaborate on solutions with government agencies, businesses, and experts in the field.
While research varies in its predictions regarding the extent of AI-driven job loss, one thing is certain: the city must act decisively to ensure that its workforce benefits from emerging technologies. With some estimates suggesting up to 3 million low-skilled jobs could disappear by 2035 due to automation and AI, it's crucial for policymakers to invest in retraining programs and support for workers transitioning into new roles.
A mixed picture has emerged on the potential of AI agents to replace human labor, with research suggesting that while they excel at routine tasks, complex work still requires human intuition. The Forrester study notes that companies' over-automating efforts due to hype may lead to costly mistakes and reputational damage in the future.
Khan's speech comes as a call to action for policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike to seize the potential of AI while mitigating its devastating impact on employment. As the UK continues to navigate this technological revolution, London stands at the forefront, where the stakes are high and the consequences of failure will be felt.
A "colossal" transformation is looming over London's job market as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the city's economy, with Mayor Sadiq Khan sounding a warning bell for ministers. In his annual Mansion House speech, Khan will emphasize the urgent need to prepare for an era of mass unemployment triggered by AI.
As the capital's reliance on white-collar workers in finance and creative industries intensifies, Kahn notes that 70% of skills in average jobs are forecasted to change by 2030. While AI holds immense potential benefits, including enhancing public services and boosting productivity, Khan cautions against reckless adoption, which could instead lead to a 'new era of mass unemployment.'
The Mayor's plea is clear: seize the potential of AI as a transformative tool for good or face the consequences. He will highlight research suggesting that AI can replace 70% of skills in jobs by 2030 and warns business leaders that if not harnessed wisely, it may prove to be a 'weapon of mass destruction' for London's jobs.
London is already bracing itself for the impact, with over half of workers anticipating some form of job disruption due to AI within the next 12 months. The city has launched an AI and Future of Work taskforce, which aims to assess London's vulnerability and collaborate on solutions with government agencies, businesses, and experts in the field.
While research varies in its predictions regarding the extent of AI-driven job loss, one thing is certain: the city must act decisively to ensure that its workforce benefits from emerging technologies. With some estimates suggesting up to 3 million low-skilled jobs could disappear by 2035 due to automation and AI, it's crucial for policymakers to invest in retraining programs and support for workers transitioning into new roles.
A mixed picture has emerged on the potential of AI agents to replace human labor, with research suggesting that while they excel at routine tasks, complex work still requires human intuition. The Forrester study notes that companies' over-automating efforts due to hype may lead to costly mistakes and reputational damage in the future.
Khan's speech comes as a call to action for policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike to seize the potential of AI while mitigating its devastating impact on employment. As the UK continues to navigate this technological revolution, London stands at the forefront, where the stakes are high and the consequences of failure will be felt.