Artificial intelligence (AI) could transform or replace up to 70% of tasks in computer-based jobs, according to a new study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The report warns that AI’s impact on the economy and society could be “seismic”, calling for greater government intervention to address its implications.
The study found that roles heavily reliant on digital tasks, such as project management, marketing, and administrative support, are most at risk of being reshaped by AI. The analysis of 22,000 common workplace tasks revealed that AI could significantly alter the way businesses operate, particularly in areas such as organisational, strategic, and analytical work.
A call for government action
The IPPR has urged the government to broaden its approach to AI regulation, arguing that current policies are too focused on AI adoption and safety rather than considering the wider social and economic consequences.
This warning comes just days before the Paris AI Action Summit, where world leaders, technology executives, and academics will gather to discuss international AI strategies. The IPPR’s findings add to growing concerns about the impact of AI on employment, with previous studies suggesting that millions of UK jobs could be at risk.
Carsten Jung, head of AI at the IPPR, emphasised the need for political action, stating:
“AI capabilities are advancing at breathtaking speed. The launch of ‘AI agents’ shows that AI is different from past technologies. It is not merely a tool – it is an actor.”
“AI technology could have a seismic impact on the economy and society: it will transform jobs, destroy old ones, create new ones, trigger the development of new products and services, and allow us to do things we could not do before.”
“Politics needs to catch up with the implications of powerful AI. Beyond just ensuring AI models are safe, we need to determine what goals we want to achieve. This demands democratic debate and close scrutiny of how AI is deployed.”
The government’s AI action plan
The UK government has already outlined its AI Action Plan, which was announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month. The plan aims to position the UK as a global leader in AI while also boosting economic growth. Key elements of the strategy include:
- Expanding AI infrastructure to support businesses
- Establishing growth zones dedicated to AI development
- Strengthening AI safety regulations
- Increasing AI use in the civil service to reduce costs and improve efficiency
However, critics argue that the government’s focus has been too narrow, prioritising AI expansion over concerns about job displacement and ethical considerations.
AI and the job market: Threat or opportunity?
The debate over AI’s role in the workplace continues to divide opinion. Some experts warn of widespread job losses, with a previous IPPR report suggesting that up to eight million jobs in the UK could be at risk in a worst-case scenario.
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On the other hand, tech leaders and AI advocates insist that AI is designed to assist workers rather than replace them. They argue that AI could streamline workloads, enhance productivity, and even create new job opportunities.
The rise of AI in daily life
The study also highlighted the growing presence of AI in everyday life. One notable finding was that approximately 930,000 people in the UK now have an AI digital companion on the app Character.AI. Many users reportedly form relationships with these chatbots, raising concerns about the potential psychological effects of AI companionship.
The IPPR warns that AI companions, while providing emotional support, could also lead to addiction and long-term mental health risks, particularly among younger users.
What comes next?
As AI continues to develop at a rapid pace, governments and businesses must decide how to integrate the technology responsibly. With the Paris AI Action Summit approaching, pressure is mounting on policymakers to address the ethical and economic challenges AI presents.
For now, one thing is clear: AI is set to reshape the world of work, and the response to this transformation will determine whether it is a force for progress or disruption.
