Key facts
- Burnham seeks an AI expert to lead preparations for the AI boom's impact on the workforce.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is recruiting advisers, including an AI expert, to address the societal and workforce impacts of artificial intelligence. The new hires will bolster the policy unit and focus on challenges like job displacement and public service transformation.
The UK government is prioritizing the development of policies to manage the societal and economic impacts of artificial intelligence, including potential job displacement and the transformation of public services. The recruitment of specialized advisers signals a proactive approach to addressing these challenges.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to recruit a number of advisers to bolster the Downing Street policy unit, with a particular focus on the societal and economic impacts of artificial intelligence. The roles aim to address gaps in policy development and prioritize key challenges facing the government. One new adviser will be tasked with leading preparations for the AI boom's effect on the workforce, especially concerning professional services jobs and new graduates. This individual will also advise on frontier AI, its benefits in public service transformation, and broader societal impacts. Concerns have been voiced by cabinet ministers regarding the UK's readiness for AI's influence on the economy and the potential dangers of unregulated systems. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the "daunting" dangers of AI in a recent speech. Additionally, Burnham plans to hire an adviser focused on increasing public control over essential services like transport, energy, housing, water, and the environment, with a specific emphasis on the cost of living. The prime minister has expressed frustration with the cautious policy options presented by Whitehall regarding public control of utilities, such as Thames Water. An economic adviser will also be recruited to examine growth and macroeconomic policy, replacing a former aide to Keir Starmer. Burnham has previously sought advice from economists Andy Haldane and Richard Hughes, and former Treasury minister Jim O'Neill, though none have agreed to take on roles in No 10.
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