A recent survey conducted in the UK has uncovered a noteworthy public concern surrounding job security in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). The survey’s results indicate that job security is a top worry for respondents, and surprisingly, this concern received limited attention at the recent AI Security Summit, despite its significant implications for the workforce and the nation.
The survey, carried out by The Boost, a newsletter focusing on AI in marketing, has shown that the UK public is nearly as anxious about AI-related job security as they are about AI security itself. This finding underscores the urgent need for governments to address the human dimension of AI advancements.
Additionally, the survey results have highlighted a growing demand for AI education and training. Tim O’Shea, the founder of The Boost, has observed a surge in new subscribers who have recently lost their jobs to AI technology and are keen to acquire AI knowledge to re-enter the job market.
“We have witnessed a notable increase in subscribers who have fallen victim to AI-related job displacements and are enthusiastic about gaining AI expertise to regain their foothold in the job market,” Tim O’Shea commented regarding the growing readership of The Boost.
The survey posed the question, “What worries you most about AI?” to 660 respondents in the UK, and the responses were as follows:
- Possible job losses – 27.9%
- Security issues – 34.4%
- Another issue – 12.6%
- I’m not worried – 25.2%
Tim O’Shea stresses the urgency of embracing AI education at a national level, stating, “Without a concerted effort to educate our workforce in AI, we risk not only job security but also our overall security as a nation.” The call for AI education and upskilling goes beyond safeguarding job security; it is about positioning the UK as a global leader in AI innovation and productivity.
