BRITAIN’S strategy on artificial intelligence (AI) needs a “step-change” or the spread of the technology could lead to “rampant inequality,” the TUC warns today.

Ahead of the launch of the trade union federation’s new flagship “worker-first” AI plan, the union body urged ministers to deliver for workers and protect jobs.

The £10 billion of public money being spent on AI research and development must come with conditions to ensure workers are not deskilled or replaced by the technology, the TUC argued.

Assistant general secretary Kate Bell said: “AI could have transformative potential — and if developed properly, workers can benefit from the productivity gains this technology may bring. But for this to happen, workers must be placed at the heart of AI innovation.

“That means ensuring public money comes with strings attached and isn’t siphoned away into the pockets of billionaire tech bosses.

“It means ensuring workers get a share in any productivity gains from new technologies. And it means dedicated training and skills programmes to protect workers in industries that may be disrupted by AI.

“The alternative is bleak. Left unmanaged and in the wrong hands, the AI revolution could entrench rampant inequality as jobs are degraded or displaced and shareholders get richer.

“We cannot let that happen. Unmanaged disruption is not inevitable or acceptable. It’s time for an urgent and active policy response that makes sure workers are not left behind. AI technologies can help build a better future — we're setting out a plan that shows how it can be done.”

The TUC is also calling for workers to receive a “digital dividend” from any AI productivity gains, with staff representatives sitting on boards to shape firms’ decision making.

Companies should also be required to invest in workforce skills and training, with improved pay and conditions and extended collective bargaining across the economy, said the union federation.

The “good work” condition attached to public money should also be used to build public-sector tech capacity in-house. 

More than half (51 per cent) of the public are concerned about the impact of AI and new technologies on their job, new TUC research shows.

A Survation poll found that the fears cut across the political spectrum and are more pronounced among young workers, rising to 62 per cent of those aged 25 to 34. 

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology was contacted for comment.