To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the economic and societal risks of generative AI, including a potential increase in unemployment as a result of automation of work, the prospect of increased need for public support to individuals and welfare payments.
Answered on
6 December 2023
DWP is aware that the increased use of Artificial Intelligence may impact the labour market, affecting the nature and types of jobs available to workers in different sectors and regions in a way that is difficult to accurately forecast.
The UK labour market is fluid and dynamic, and an average of 900,000 employed people per quarter moved from one job to another over the last year. As yet, we have yet to see any evidence of significant job displacement that can be directly attributed to AI.
However, we are mindful of the potential risk of job displacement and our Jobcentre offer is designed to support claimants who need to transition to new roles by providing them with tailored, flexible advice.