The report also predicts AI could increase the global annual output of goods and services by up to 7%. Generative AI—capable of producing content nearly identical to human work—is described as a significant technological leap.
Mixed Impact on Jobs
The UK government supports investment in AI, emphasizing that it should enhance rather than disrupt jobs. “We want AI to make work better, not take it away,” said Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan.
AI’s impact will vary by industry, the report finds—up to 46% of tasks in administrative jobs and 44% in legal roles could be automated, compared to just 6% in construction and 4% in maintenance.
Artists and creatives have voiced concerns, particularly about AI-generated images threatening their livelihoods.
Uncertain Outcomes
Oxford University’s Carl Benedikt Frey cautions against making definitive predictions. "We can’t know exactly how many jobs will be replaced," he said. "Generative AI may increase competition, lowering wages in creative fields without necessarily cutting jobs—much like how Uber and GPS impacted taxi drivers’ pay without reducing driver numbers."
While some studies show that 60% of today’s jobs didn’t exist in 1940, others suggest recent technological changes have displaced workers faster than they’ve created new roles.
Torsten Bell of the Resolution Foundation advises skepticism: “The long-term effects of AI are uncertain. We should weigh both the risks and the potential for higher living standards and improved services.”