"In January 2026, London's mayor gave a blunt warning that has reverberated far beyond City Hall: artificial intelligence could trigger "mass unemployment" in the capital's core industries unless policymakers act now. His words came with an unexpected counterweight: an announcement of free AI training and a dedicated task force to help workers adapt. This juxtaposition captures a tension shaping Europe's labour landscape: fear and opportunity locked in the same story."
"At first look, the job market's headline figures tell a reassuring story: overall unemployment across the European Union remains low, with EU unemployment at about 5.8% in 2025, down from 6.0% a year earlier. Youth unemployment has also declined in many countries, indicating that even entry-level opportunities persist for most workers. In some sectors where AI tools are already in use, work has been reshaped rather than eliminated."
London's mayor warned in January 2026 that artificial intelligence could trigger mass unemployment in core industries unless policymakers act. The mayor announced free AI training and a dedicated task force to help workers adapt. Debates across Europe show contrasting views: some technologists warn advanced AI could substitute human labour rapidly, while others say fears are exaggerated if governments and employers guide the transition. EU unemployment stood around 5.8% in 2025, down from 6.0% a year earlier, and youth unemployment declined in many countries. About 30% of EU workers now use AI at work, especially for text tasks, and digital tools appear in roughly 90% of workplaces. Many workers report AI improves efficiency and enables different responsibilities.
Read at TNW | Future-Of-Work
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