Artificial Intelligence: Impact on Employment

Baroness Nargund Excerpts

Monday 13th April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

We work closely with Skills England and with the DfE to understand the changes that AI is bringing and what that means in terms of the education system, what skills students need to develop and how to apply them. We are supporting the expansion of AI education in universities, for example through the TechLocal AI degree accelerator. This is a conversation that is ongoing. As the noble Lord suggests, it is something that we need to be very mindful of.

[Baroness Nargund (Lab)]

My Lords, I declare my interest as chair of The Pipeline, a gender parity consultancy. Our latest research has shown that 43% of young women entering the workforce are concerned that AI will replace them. Given that AI is increasingly taking over administrative tasks and that women are overrepresented in administrative roles, what assessment have the Government made of the gendered impact of AI on employment? What targeted plans are in place to support all those in the workforce, particularly young women, with AI training and upskilling opportunities?

[Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Lab)]

My noble friend is right that there may be differential impacts throughout the labour market. ONS analysis suggests that administrative roles may see greater transformation from AI, while our AI adoption research shows that marketing, administration and IT are the most common areas of current or planned use. The AI and the Future of Work Unit is monitoring sectoral and distributional impacts, including on gender and region. We will support those through the commitment to upskill 10 million people by 2030 and, alongside the Women in Tech Taskforce, to champion diversity in the UK tech sector.