Keir Starmer has insisted artificial intelligence will not just “lead to lots of job losses” – as unions sounded a fresh warning.
In a speech launching the Government’s new AI plan, he vowed: “Mark my words, Britain will be one of the great AI superpowers.” He announced that £14billion of investment from two companies – Kyndryl and Nscale – will create 12,000 new jobs in the UK.
The PM said that fear of a “small risk” embracing new technology would mean the UK missing out on a “massive opportunity”. He hailed the use of AI in the NHS and welcomed investment from the global tech firms.
But UNISON policy officer Kate Jones said: “UK workers have vast expertise and insight that can help shape AI development in ways to benefit everyone. The technology must be used to enhance jobs and services, not cut corners, costs and human input.”
Setting out the case for greater use of AI, Mr Starmer said: “The blunt truth is – we’ve got to be much bolder. I’ve seen this for myself – as a leader of a public service, and this is entirely human, but new technology can provoke a reaction, a sort of fear, an inhibition, a caution if you like.
“And because of fears of a small risk, too often you miss the massive opportunity. So we have got to change that mindset.
“Because actually the far bigger risk is that if we don’t go for it we’re left behind by those who do.”
Announcing plans to “rewire” Government, the PM said use of technology can help tackle NHS waiting lists and help teachers plan lessons tailor lessons to pupils’ needs.
It will also spot potholes faster, he said. But he admitted: “Yes, there will be teething problems. Of course there will.
“But we can’t lose sight of the vast potential here.”
The Government is set to create a national data library of information held by public sector bodies that will be used to train AI models. This is expected to include NHS data, with individual data anonymised.
The PM later said adopting adopting AI technology will not just “lead to lots of job losses”. He said: “We will continue to bring unemployment down. We want people in work.
“This will change the work that people do, but it won’t just lead to lots of job losses. On the contrary today, because of the investment in AI we’ve announced – £14 billion of investment – that’s 12,000 jobs, a thousand of them announced today to be in the Liverpool area. These are brand new jobs.
“So again, getting to the front of the queue on AI means that we get those job opportunities.”
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