More than half of staff furloughed this year in the UK have been in roles at “high risk” of being replaced by robots, according to new analysis.
A study by the Fabian Society predicted the coronavirus crisis would further accelerate automation, with signs it is already happening and strong evidence from past recessions.
It found workers in hospitality and retail faced a “double whammy,” facing not only furlough and job losses this year but also among the greatest chances of seeing roles automated.
The research suggests 5.9 million of the 9.6 million people furloughed at some point this year were in the third of sectors with the greatest potential for automation.
The report was by the Commission on Workers and Technology, established by the trade union Community and the Fabian Society think tank, and chaired by Labour MP Yvette Cooper.
“The people whose jobs have been suspended during the COVID-19 crisis are therefore also more likely to see their work replaced by technology,” found the study.
“This is particularly concerning because these sectors are key recruiters for young and unemployed people.”
Cleaners and domestic workers, kitchen and catering assistants, and elementary storage occupations are among the official job categories deemed most at risk of automation.
Such shifts risk exacerbating inequality, as these sectors are also among the lowest-paid. 42% of employees in the bottom fifth of earners were furloughed, lost jobs or hours, versus 15% in the top fifth of earners.
Cooper called for “urgent action” to ensure all workers benefited from technology. “Technology is already fast changing the world of work – creating remarkable new opportunities but also serious dangers of widening inequality and injustice unless we act.”
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The report warned looming reforms to the skills training system are “vague and appear underfunded,” while the government’s training and jobseeker support measures are “not well integrated.” Furloughed workers do not receive any dedicated training.
Resource: https://sports.yahoo.com/automation-covid-19-furlough-workers-risk-replacement-by-robots-081824916.html?
