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Labour will make AI ‘work for the workers’, says Liz Kendall | Career Outlook
Kendall emphasized the importance of making AI work for the workforce during her address on June 5, 2026. She stated that the government must actively shape AI adoption to enhance jobs and support those whose roles may be affected by technological advancements. This proactive stance is part of Labour's broader strategy to address the challenges posed by AI and to ensure that the benefits of these technologies are shared widely.
UK — Labour’s technology secretary, Liz Kendall, has announced a new initiative aimed at ensuring artificial intelligence (AI) technology benefits workers rather than displacing them. This commitment comes as public concerns grow regarding the impact of AI on employment, particularly among younger workers. By implementing regulations and enhancing training programs, Labour aims to facilitate a smoother transition for workers affected by automation.
Kendall emphasized the importance of making AI work for the workforce during her address on June 5, 2026. She stated that the government must actively shape AI adoption to enhance jobs and support those whose roles may be affected by technological advancements. This proactive stance is part of Labour’s broader strategy to address the challenges posed by AI and to ensure that the benefits of these technologies are shared widely.
Regulatory Measures to Safeguard Employment
The Labour Party’s approach includes a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to protect workers’ rights in the face of rapid technological change. Kendall highlighted that the government has adjusted its £187 million TechFirst AI training scheme to prioritize outreach to disadvantaged schools. This initiative aims to equip one million children with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven job market.
In addition to training, the Labour government is launching summer skills camps in the north-east and north-west of England. These camps will target young people who are not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET) and aim to provide them with opportunities for apprenticeships. Although the initial capacity is limited, with only 60 places in the north-west and 20 in the north-east, there are plans for scaling up these programs to reach more youth.
With the International Monetary Fund warning that AI could create a “tsunami” of job displacement, Labour’s focus on education and training is a strategic move to prepare the workforce for upcoming changes.
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Read More →Career Ahead’s analysis finds that these initiatives are crucial for mitigating the potential negative impacts of AI on youth employment. With the International Monetary Fund warning that AI could create a “tsunami” of job displacement, Labour’s focus on education and training is a strategic move to prepare the workforce for upcoming changes. Furthermore, the Labour Party’s commitment to ensuring that AI technologies do not exacerbate existing inequalities is reflected in their targeted outreach efforts to marginalized communities, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind.
The proposed regulations will not only focus on protecting existing jobs but also on creating new ones. Kendall reassured the public that while some jobs may be lost due to AI, many new roles will emerge, necessitating a skilled workforce ready to adapt to these changes. This perspective aligns with Labour’s commitment to ensuring that technological advancements do not exacerbate existing inequalities.
Moreover, the collaboration between tech companies and labour organizations is vital for developing a regulatory framework that supports workers. Labour’s initiatives are designed to foster partnerships that will help ensure that the deployment of AI technologies aligns with the interests of the workforce. By engaging with stakeholders from various sectors, Labour aims to create a balanced approach that prioritizes job security while promoting innovation.
Investment in Skills Development
Labour’s commitment to funding AI training programs is a cornerstone of its strategy to enhance workers’ skills. The TechFirst scheme has been tailored to ensure that 40% of the children it reaches are from disadvantaged backgrounds. This focus on inclusivity is essential for addressing the skills gap that could arise from the widespread adoption of AI technologies. As highlighted in Labour’s Plan to Make Work, the government recognizes that investing in education and skills development is critical to ensuring a future workforce that can thrive in an AI-dominated landscape.
By increasing funding for training programs, Labour aims to create a workforce that is not only prepared for the jobs of the future but also capable of thriving in a rapidly changing employment landscape. The government’s Youth Guarantee promises support for young people who have been out of work for 18 months or more, providing them with the necessary resources to re-enter the job market. This initiative is particularly crucial given the alarming rise in youth unemployment, which has left over a million young people classified as NEET.
Career Ahead research identifies that such targeted funding is crucial in reducing youth unemployment, which has seen a dramatic rise in recent years. With Labour’s initiatives, there is hope for reversing this trend and providing meaningful opportunities for young workers. The emphasis on training and skill development also reflects a broader understanding of the need for continuous learning in the face of technological advancements. As AI continues to evolve, workers must be equipped with the skills to adapt to new tools and processes, making ongoing education a priority for Labour’s agenda.
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Read More →As highlighted in Labour’s Plan to Make Work, the government recognizes that investing in education and skills development is critical to ensuring a future workforce that can thrive in an AI-dominated landscape.
Moreover, Labour’s approach to AI training is not just about immediate job readiness; it also seeks to foster a culture of lifelong learning. By instilling the importance of continuous skill development, Labour hopes to prepare future generations for the uncertainties of the job market. This long-term vision is essential for building a resilient workforce capable of navigating the complexities of an AI-driven economy.
Additionally, the government is exploring partnerships with educational institutions and private sector companies to expand the reach and effectiveness of these training programs. By leveraging resources and expertise from various sectors, Labour aims to create a comprehensive support system for workers transitioning into new roles in an evolving job market.
The initiatives announced by Labour represent a significant step towards ensuring that AI works for the workers. However, the success of these policies will ultimately depend on the government’s ability to engage effectively with all stakeholders involved.
