Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to recommendation 14 of the report commissioned by his Department entitled AI Opportunities Action Plan, published on 13 January 2025, when he plans to publish an updated assessment of skills required.

Reducing the AI skills gap is critical for increasing the UK’s productivity and delivering long-term growth. In June, the Department for Education published an analysis of the skills needs for 10 priority sectors, including digital technology, and we are working with them and Skills England to further assess the skills gap and map pathways to fill it. We additionally announced a joint commitment with industry to upskill 7.5 million workers with vital AI skills. DSIT also regularly reviews the status of the UK’s AI labour market and has commissioned a survey of the labour market, which will be published later this year.