A recent survey conducted by the GMB union revealed that almost half of employees are concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence on their jobs. Out of 5,000 union members surveyed, nearly 30% reported that their employers had already implemented AI technology, with 26% stating that AI was performing tasks traditionally done by employees. Additionally, around 50% mentioned that AI was being used by employers to monitor their activities or those of their colleagues.
The use of AI is increasingly leading to job displacement, as demonstrated by recent announcements from companies like Asda and Nestle. Asda disclosed plans to cut up to 1,000 jobs due to automation in its warehouse operations, consolidating its George clothing online operations into a single site. Nestle is also considering eliminating 450 jobs, with the GMB attributing some of the losses to the expanded use of AI, particularly in functions like human resources.
Amazon recently introduced a cutting-edge robot, Proteus, designed to operate in previously inaccessible areas within their warehouses, showcasing the advancing capabilities of AI technology. The impact of AI on employment was emphasized by a Nestle worker, Robert Battell, who expressed concern about job losses resulting from automation in various industries across the UK.
The GMB Congress highlighted the potential threat to taxi drivers with the impending launch of driverless taxis. Waymo, an American company, selected London as its first European testing ground for autonomous vehicles, aiming to revolutionize transportation services. The GMB urged the government to implement regulations safeguarding taxi and private hire drivers against job losses caused by the proliferation of driverless technology.
Ali Haydor, a private hire driver and GMB Congress Delegate, cautioned against the rapid adoption of driverless vehicles, emphasizing the need to protect workers from unemployment and economic hardship. He critiqued gig economy firms for promoting automation as progress without adequately considering the negative repercussions on workers. The GMB called for legislative measures to ensure that workers are not disproportionately burdened by the risks associated with technological advancements while companies reap the benefits.