Up to 8 million jobs in the United Kingdom are at risk of being redundant as the industry leans more into the AI trend, London-based think tank Institute for Public Policy Research reported.
According to the study, AI has already impacted at least 11% of the jobs in the country and is expected to grow up to 60% if no government intervention is done.
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Back office, entry-level, and part-time jobs, particularly positions held by women, are noted to be the "most exposed" to AI redundancy as the country continues to lean on the technology to boost its gross domestic product.
IMF Warns Jobs Worldwide at Risk of AI Impact
This can already be felt with more limited job hiring as companies try to cut costs amid increasing inflations throughout the world.
The findings coincide with an earlier International Monetary Fund report that over 40% of total jobs worldwide are at risk of being "exposed" to AI.
Its impact is noted to grow up to 60% in more developed countries like the UK and the US where most AI innovations and distribution happen.
Also Read: AI Revolution to Worsen Job Inequality, IMF Says
Analysts Urge UK to Adopt AI Rules Amid Threats of 'Job Apocalypse'
To avoid the worst-case scenario of a "job apocalypse," the IPPR suggested several "job-centric" strategies the Parliament can adopt.
Chief among the recommendations were to boost support on "green jobs," or positions related to manufacturing and processing sectors,
Changes in fiscal policies and industry regulations have also been brought up to encourage "job augmentation" rather than resorting to layoffs and dismissals.
As of writing, only the European Union has passed a standardized AI regulation to govern the development, application, and distribution of the technology of its member blocs. The UK left the EU in 2020.
The United Nations has also already adopted an AI resolution to address concerns on humanitarian issues posed by the technology, including its dangers in the job industry, albeit at a much lesser authority.
Related Article: EU Passes First AI Regulation Law: How it Works and Why it Matters?
