AI, for now, is not causing significant job losses despite fears, according to a new white paper from Automated Analytics.
The company, which provides AI solutions to optimise advertising and marketing campaigns, said that, across a sample of 5,000 businesses that have adopted AI technology, none have reported layoffs as a result.
The white paper calls for the UK to overcome its cautious approach to AI to avoid falling behind nations embracing the technology.
According to Automated Analytics, though few companies are laying off staff in favour of AI, most senior business figures it spoke to believed AI will eliminate more jobs than it creates.
“AI is not about replacing jobs; it’s about enhancing productivity and creating new opportunities,” said Mark Taylor, CEO of Automated Analytics.
“Our white paper provides concrete examples of how AI can drive growth, efficiency, and competitiveness. The UK cannot afford to lag behind in this critical area.”
Taylor warned that the US is “leading the charge in AI adoption” as the UK “remains overly focused on regulation”.
The British government has yet to enact new regulation governing AI, however, in its general election manifesto Labour said it would introduce “binding regulation on the handful of companies developing the most powerful AI models”.
In the King’s Speech following Keir Starmer’s electoral victory, Charles III said his government would “seek to establish the appropriate legislation to place requirements on those working to develop the most powerful artificial intelligence models”, though no bills were announced.
Automated Analytics consultant and advisor Katie Blake said “fear is driving negativity” towards AI and is a major “barrier to businesses”.
“I definitely see a stark difference in attitudes between the US and UK, with the former adopting the mentality of being willing to ‘try and fail’ whereas in the UK we tend to be far more risk-averse and cautious,” said Blake.
“There isn’t enough transparency at the moment on when AI is being used, what for and why,” added Blake. “The lack of clarity is causing confusion and mistrust, not the technology itself.”
