Impact of AI on work

The question of how AI will affect job numbers is a major concern for many workers. Studies from the Institute for Public Policy Research in 2024 suggests that up to eight million UK jobs could be affected by AI in some way. Studies consistently show that low-paid jobs are much more likely to include tasks that can be automated, with back office, entry-level, and part-time roles potentially facing the greatest exposure.

There are also equality dimensions to consider. Women, young people, and workers from ethnic minority backgrounds are overrepresented in many of the roles most susceptible to automation, raising concerns about disproportionate impacts on these groups.

However, it’s important to understand that complete automation of entire jobs is relatively rare. Most roles will be changed rather than eliminated entirely, with technology taking over some tasks while humans focus on others. We should also remember that new jobs will be created as technology develops, though these may require different skills from those being displaced.

There are two main ways AI affects jobs in the workplace.

Automation happens when technology completely replaces tasks previously done by workers. This is most common for routine, repetitive tasks like data entry, basic administrative functions, or simple customer service queries.

More common is augmentation, where technology works alongside humans, supporting them in their tasks rather than replacing them entirely. We see this in healthcare, for example, where AI might assist clinicians with diagnoses while the healthcare professional makes the final decision and delivers care.

The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan describes augmentation as giving workers “the gift of time” by handling routine tasks, allowing staff to focus on more complex work that requires human judgment and interpersonal skills.

Whether this positive vision is realised depends greatly on how the technology is implemented.

AI can positively affect the quality of work by reducing repetitive or tedious tasks, allowing workers to focus on more rewarding aspects of their jobs. And it can support better decision-making and improve efficiency.

However, there are potential downsides:

• AI-powered management systems can lead to work intensification, with algorithms setting ever-increasing targets.
• Workers may experience a loss of autonomy and discretion as more decisions are automated or tightly prescribed.
• Constant performance monitoring through digital systems can create significant stress.
• Some workers may find their roles deskilled as tasks are simplified or automated.

Research by the Institute for the Future of Work has found that exposure to newer workplace technologies is associated with lower worker quality of life. Without proper safeguards and worker input, technological change may harm job satisfaction and wellbeing. 

Widespread AI adoption could lead to workers across the country experiencing changes to their roles, their experience of work and, in some cases, to their job status entirely. As AI changes job roles, the skills required of workers will also change. Technical skills to work with new systems will become increasingly important but so will distinctly “human” skills like empathy, creativity, and complex problem-solving that AI cannot easily replicate.  

Adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning will become essential for all workers. These changes need to happen now.  

UNISON believes that employers must invest in comprehensive training to support workers through these changes. This should include:

Paid time for upskilling and retraining, with priority given to redeployment over redundancy when roles change.

Special attention to be paid to supporting those workers most at risk of displacement, particularly those in lower-paid and entry-level positions. 

A key question in any technological change is who benefits from the productivity gains that new technology can bring. Will efficiency savings lead to better pay and conditions for workers? Could they result in shorter working hours without loss of pay? Or will the benefits flow primarily to employers and senior management?

UNISON believes that workers should share in the benefits of technological change, not just bear the costs. This means ensuring that productivity gains translate into improvements for the workforce as well as service users.

If your workplace is introducing AI or other new technologies, there are several steps you can take.

Ask managers about the purpose and scope of new technologies and request impact assessments for any changes. Push for meaningful consultation with workers and unions before systems are implemented. Work with your branch to negotiate for job security, adequate training, and fair workloads. Organise with your colleagues around technology issues – collective action is often the most effective way to influence how new systems are deployed.