Labour pledges to shape AI to benefit workers, says Kendall
9 reported3 unconfirmed
Technology secretary Liz Kendall has stated that the Labour government will make artificial intelligence “work for workers” and not abandon those whose jobs are affected by its advance. Speaking ahead of London Tech Week, which begins 8 June, Kendall said the government can shape how AI is adopted. She highlighted two small summer skills schemes in north-east and north-west England for young people not in education, employment or training, with 60 places initially in the north-west and 20 in the north-east. Kendall also noted that the government’s £187m TechFirst AI training scheme has been adjusted so that 40% of the 1 million children it aims to reach will be in disadvantaged schools. She played down fears of mass job losses, saying jobs will be created and changed, and some will go, as with every general purpose technology. Kendall declined to comment on the government’s consultation on banning social media for under-16s, but said ministers are looking at a wider set of issues including AI chatbots and age-verification measures.
What’s reported
Liz Kendall said Labour will make AI “work for workers” and not abandon people whose jobs are affected.
Kendall spoke before London Tech Week, which starts 8 June.
The government’s £187m TechFirst AI training scheme has been adjusted so 40% of 1 million children reached will be in disadvantaged schools.
Two summer skills schemes for young Neets (not in education, employment or training) are launching: 60 places in north-west England, 20 in north-east England.
The north-east scheme is funded by Labour’s Youth Guarantee, which supports young people out of work for 18 months or more.
Kendall said jobs will be created, changed, and some will go, as with every general purpose technology.
The Commons science, innovation and technology committee called for the government to cancel a contract with US tech company Palantir on digitising the NHS.
Kendall said the decision on a break clause in the Palantir contract will be made by health secretary James Murray.
Kendall declined to comment on the government’s consultation on banning social media for under-16s, but said ministers are looking at issues including AI chatbots, stranger pairing, and age-verification.
Open questions
Whether the government will cancel the Palantir contract for NHS digitisation.
What the government’s decision will be on banning social media for under-16s.
Whether Kendall will remain in the cabinet if Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield byelection.
Key figures
Liz Kendall, technology secretary
Keir Starmer, Labour leader
Andy Burnham, potential byelection candidate
Alan Milburn, former Labour minister
Kristalina Georgieva, International Monetary Fund managing director
James Murray, health secretary
Sources: The Guardian
