• Swindon & Wiltshire Tech
• Tuesday April 29 2025

One-in-four workers worried AI will lead to job losses

More than a quarter of UK workers are worried that AI will lead to job losses, according to a survey by workplace experts ACAS.

The industrial relations organisation commissioned YouGov to ask employees in Britain what their biggest concerns about the use of AI were.

Twenty-six per cent feared greater use of AI would lead to job losses, while 17 were worried about AI making errors, and 15 per cent were concerned about a lack of regulation.

Acas interim chief executive Dan Ellis said: “Some employers may be looking to embrace new technologies as a way to cut costs, increase productivity or make workers’ jobs easier.

“There can be concerns from staff when new technologies are introduced at work and it’s clear from our study that their biggest worry is that AI will result in job losses.

“Bosses should have clear policies on the use of AI at work, remember that it is not a perfect technology and have open conversations with employees around its use.”

Some top tips for employers from Acas on the use of AI at work include:

• Employers should develop clear policies regarding the use of AI in the workplace and should consult employees and any representatives on its introduction. If there is an expectation that certain roles begin using AI, that could mean a change of terms and conditions.
• Employers investing in AI should highlight how it can improve employees’ roles and reassure staff that human involvement will still be needed.
• Organisations should remember that AI is not perfect, so outputs should be checked for accuracy, tone and bias. AI should be cited when used and staff may require training on how to get the best outputs.
• A company’s data privacy policies will apply for the use of AI, and it is wise to check with your IT team for approved platforms. Employees should be careful entering any information that is business sensitive or personal into public tools. Any information that you do enter could be made public or used by others, so check company policies on the use of AI in the workplace and be aware of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

ACAS’ annual conference on May 15 will look at conflict, workplace productivity, growth and examine the types of new roles and opportunities AI could create.

Image by Ron Lach at pexels.com