GovNet and Indeed came together to host a breakfast briefing at the House of Lords, discussing “the AI Shift: Preparing for the Future of Work in the UK”. The captivating session on artificial intelligence’s potential economic implications was presented by Matt Burney, Senior Talent Strategy Advisor at Indeed. Burney discussed how AI is changing industries, economies, and workplaces, characterising it as a technological revolution that could potentially surpass the significance of fire or electricity, a sentiment famously shared by Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai.
AI is already changing our lives and our economies, and it is predicted that it will add as much as $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. This growth will be caused by increased productivity and changes in consumer behaviours, as AI continues to streamline workflows, improve efficiency and enhance decision-making. An example of how AI is transforming our lives can be found in logistics, where drone delivery systems are already being tested and are revolutionising the delivery process. These drones don’t just deliver packages—they’re changing the role of drivers, who now find themselves taking on new responsibilities as drone operators and technicians. The healthcare sector also stood out, with AI speeding up advancements in diagnostics and patient care, showing its capacity to tackle some of the industry’s most complex challenges on a massive scale.
AI has been and will continue to change the way society works. There are several risks associated with the rapid adoption of AI which is currently happening. In his presentation, Burney highlighted how AI is already transforming many traditional sectors, such as retail, manufacturing, travel and administrative services, and how it will continue to do so. To highlight how quickly technology can transform workplaces and displace workers who fail to adapt, Burney looked back to his first job as a fax runner, where the introduction of email has rendered his team redundant almost overnight.
Education and training emerged as critical themes in Burney’s talk. He argued that schools and training programmes are failing to prepare young people for an AI-driven economy. Many current curriculums overlook the skills needed to thrive in this new landscape, such as data literacy, critical thinking, and familiarity with AI tools. Although AI puts some jobs at risk, it also creates new opportunities, with roles such as AI ethicists, data privacy managers, and robotics technicians becoming more and more in demand. The current teaching system fails to prepare students for the challenges that modern technologies pose, leaving them ill-equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving job market. Burney argues that education system overhaul should be a priority for our society, citing a shift in expectations around AI capabilities. While predictions once placed highly intelligent AI assistants on our phones by 2040, experts now estimate this milestone could be reached as early as 2025, signalling a shift in the workplace far sooner than anticipated.
Alongside long-term changes in our education system, AI itself can play a part in upskilling of our society, as AI-powered tools can created personalised learning pathways, helping workers identify and develop the skills needed to transition into new roles. Businesses themselves are responsible to prepare their workforce for the future. Some companies, like Amazon, are leading the way by investing heavily in upskilling their workforce ($700 million invested with the aim to upskill 100,000 employees globally). In addition to Amazon’s upskilling initiative, Burney highlighted innovations in healthcare, where AI is enabling faster and more accurate diagnostics; and in human resources, where integrating AI into recruitment processes can streamline the hiring journey, freeing up HR professionals to concentrate on fostering stronger human connections. These success stories demonstrate how businesses that invest in AI and workforce development can thrive while supporting their employees.
This collaboration between employees and employers is vital as AI continues to be more implemented in the workplace. As Burney noted, AI has the potential to drive wealth divisions in society further, as wealthier groups, with greater access to advanced technology and training, are poised to reap the benefits of AI, leaving lower-income workers at greater risk of displacement. Burney warned that this divide could widen unless deliberate efforts are made to democratise access to AI and its benefits. The concentration of AI ownership among a few major corporations does not help the problem, as it limits consumer control and stifles broader innovation. Burney argued that governments, businesses, and educational institutions must collaborate to address these systemic issues and ensure that AI’s advantages are distributed equitably.
Throughout his presentation, Burney returned to the idea that AI represents both a challenge and an opportunity. He noted that the technology’s ability to drive economic growth and innovation is undeniable, but so is the risk of exacerbating inequalities and social disruption. From income disparities to mental health concerns tied to over-reliance on technology, the societal consequences of unregulated AI adoption are profound. Burney urged businesses, governments, and educational institutions to work collaboratively to ensure AI is harnessed as a tool for collective progress.
AI’s potential must be managed with care and foresight. By prioritising equitable access to AI tools, reforming education systems, and embedding ethical principles into AI development, society can navigate this era of change effectively. As Burney noted, technology may not determine our destiny, but the actions we take now will shape whether AI becomes a force for division or a catalyst for shared prosperity.
Ola Jader
