The Prime Minister Keir starmer announced this week ambitious plans to implement artificial intelligence in all public services. This could lead to the creation of more than 13,000 new jobs.
The AI Opportunity Action Plan, backed by several tech companies, will invest PS14bn to help the UK become an AI “superpower”.
A huge campus of data centres will create more than 11,500 new jobs in Wales. It will be one of the biggest such centers in Europe. In the next three-years, a new technology hub in Liverpool will create 1,000 more jobs.
The government claims that the AI Opportunities Action Plan contains 50 measures which will make the UK “irresistible to AI firms” who are looking to start up or expand their business.
Starmer stated: “Artificial Intelligence is going to drive an incredible change in the country. It has the power to change the lives of workers. From personalising lesson plans to helping small businesses keep track of their records to accelerating planning applications.
“But AI needs a government on its side. One that will not sit back and allow opportunities to slip through their fingers. In a world where competition is fierce, we can’t stand still. “We must act quickly and decisively to win the race.”
He said that AI would “turbocharge growth”. He said that the AI plan would “turbocharge” growth.
Human error
The HR body CIPD has welcomed the plans of the government, but cautioned against rushing to judgment. Hayfa Mohdzaini is a senior policy and technology adviser. She said that letting AI handle repetitive tasks and administrative duties can help workers provide more human services. AI, when used well, can make jobs more satisfying for people.
“However it will be crucial for employers to monitor the use of technology and manage risks. In a CIPD survey of more than 1,500 people conducted in January 2025, six out of ten respondents said they would trust AI in order to inform important decisions, but not to make them. This shows the importance of a human overseeing this technology.
Mohdzaini called on the HR professions to lead discussions regarding AI implementation and provide clear guidelines covering ethical and responsible AI use at work.
He added that organisations should encourage a culture of collaboration across teams, and help employees to develop or reskill their skills as needed. This will ensure that no one is left behind when AI transforms the workplace and careers.
Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, stated that “proper protections” were needed to protect workers against any potential pitfalls.
She said that “our members have already reported major changes in working conditions as a result of the introduction AI. AI creates new dangers and results all too often in workers feeling demotivated and alienated.”
We are also concerned about AI-powered surveillance, and algorithm-based discrimination, especially with “high-risk” decisions such as recruitment, performance evaluations and discipline.
Built-in bias
The union expressed concerns over the potential bias in AI systems that could lead to discrimination of women, minorities, LGBTQ+ and disabled workers.
Graham said that AI systems are often based on a “one size fits all” view of employees, and may not be able to determine whether or not they are performing their duties.
“The introduction AI in the workplace should be done with workers, not against workers.” She said that the government, employers and trade unions must all work together to prevent workplace AI’s potential dangers.
According to Nikolaz Foucheud, the managing director EMEA of learning platform Coursera, bringing workforces up-to-speed with AI is crucial to Starmer’s success plan.
The announcement of Starmer’s AI action plan, which aims to “mainline AI in the veins” of the UK, has given serious weight to Britain’s AI goals.
He said that to make this vision a reality, we must fundamentally reimagine our educational landscape as well as how we prepare the workforce for a future driven by AI.
Coursera recently conducted research that revealed that, while the number of enrolments in its generative AI courses has risen, only 28% are women. This indicates a possible gender gap in the AI workforce.
The introduction of AI at the workplace should be done with workers, not against them.” – Sharon Graham Unite
The study also revealed “systemic problems” arising from the lack of consistency in policy within higher education. Less than half of educators (48%) said their university had an AI policy.
Foucaud said that the proper strategy and skilling are needed first to boost the economy with AI.
If there aren’t equal opportunities for men and women to learn and develop, and if students in higher education face obstacles to developing job-ready AI skills, the UK will fall behind when it comes time to capitalize on emerging technologies.
Critical Gaps
Ash Gawthorp is the chief academy officer of engineering consultancy Ten10. He said that there were some “critical” gaps in the plan when it comes to upskilling or reskilling current workforces.
He said that while focusing on AI education in universities is commendable it is not sufficient to close the skills gap.
What about people who are already working and do not have access to reskilling programs tailored for new technologies? How can we ensure that people who are economically inactive or from disadvantaged backgrounds will be able to participate meaningfully in the AI-driven future.
“The commitment to increase diversity in the talent pools is a good start, but must be translated into actions to support systemic change to make AI careers and education accessible to people of all backgrounds, educational paths, and regions. We risk losing too many in the race to innovate if we don’t do this.
