Office for National Statistics Labour Market Data

Lord Wigley Excerpts

Thursday 23rd April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

The noble Baroness is absolutely right. AI is very much at the forefront of all our minds as we continue to grapple with the long-term impact that it will have on our economy. That is why, in January, we announced that every adult in the UK is eligible to take free courses to gain practical AI skills for work. This programme has already upskilled 1 million workers. Our ambition is to upskill 10 million by 2030. The noble Baroness mentioned research. We have already launched the AI and future work programme and are establishing an AI economic institute, which will lead cross-government analysis to monitor the emerging impact of AI on the economy and co-ordinate the Government’s response.

[Lord Wigley (PC)]

My Lords, the Minister will be aware that the GDP per capita of Wales historically ran 20% below that of the UK, largely because of depressed activity rates arising from the work patterns in heavy industries, such as coal and steel. That has persisted. Now, there is a crying need for the activity rates to be raised in order to ensure that the standard of living in Wales can rise to be nearer the UK average. Will the Government undertake to co-operate with the next Government of Wales to give priority to getting this right?

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

The Government have always worked closely with the current Government of Wales and we will continue to work with any future Government in Wales. It will help if they continue to be led by the Labour Party, but we will see what the electorate decide. We are constantly aware that we must do more to support people into work. That is why we are going further with our jobs and careers services, the youth guarantee and pathways into work across the country.