TUC calls for government crackdown on business AI shortcuts | Computer Weekly

"The TUC's Building a pro-worker AI innovation strategy paper warns that short-term priorities driven by the UK's corporate governance system mean AI may be used by some employers to cut costs and automate existing processes, rather than invest, expand and innovate. "Such decisions will more likely displace or deskill workers rather than augment, expand or retrain the workforce as part of technological upgrading," said the TUC."

"The TUC wants to see businesses incentivised to look beyond short-term shareholder value, and when reporting on employment matters, they should cover the impact of AI on employment. It also wants to see worker representation on company boards to provide a workforce perspective on business decision-making, including engagement in technology strategy. It called on the government to require company directors to focus on long-term company success as their primary aim, taking account of the interests of stakeholders, including the workforce, shareholders"

The Trades Union Congress calls for changes to company tax regulations and strengthened regulator powers to prevent employers using AI to weaken staff and reduce labour standards. The organisation prioritises collective bargaining and urges incentives for businesses to prioritise long-term investment over short-term shareholder returns. It warns that current corporate governance incentives risk using AI to cut costs, automate tasks, displace or deskill workers, and concentrate surplus with employers and AI firms. Recommendations include reporting on AI employment impacts, worker representation on boards, duties for directors to consider stakeholders and long-term success, and evaluating tax measures to incentivise investment in labour.

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