Incorporating NQ magazine
September 2023
www.pqmagazine.com/www.pqjobs.co.uk
IS AI COMING FOR YOUR JOB? It is highly skilled jobs such as finance, medicine and law that are most exposed to AI-driven automation, according to a ground-breaking report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The report, ‘OECD Employment Outlook 2023: Artificial Intelligence and the Labour Market’ claims: “Occupations in finance, medicine and legal activities which often require many years of education, and whose core functions rely on accumulated experience to reach decisions, may suddenly find themselves at risk of automation from AI.” Unlike previous technology innovations AI can automate non-routine tasks. And generative AI has made most progress in areas such as information ordering, memorisation, perceptual speed and deductive reasoning – all of which relate to non-routine, cognitive tasks. And, as a result, the report says it is now the highly-skilled occupations that are exposed. OECD stressed that AI adoption is still relatively low because many firms, so far, prefer to rely on voluntary workforce adjustments. The available data suggest that the share of firms
that have adopted AI remains in the single digits, although large firms are more likely to have done so (approximately one in three). That means any real negative employment effects of AI are a little
AAT IS SEEKING MEMBERS FOR NEW STUDENT ADVISORY GROUP AAT has unveiled plans to give its students a real voice with the launch of its new Student Advisory Group. This is part of changes to give stakeholders a say in how AAT can best support their needs moving forward. AAT is also creating both training provider and employer advisory groups at the same time. AAT told PQ magazine: “At AAT we put our dynamic, inclusive community of 70,000 students at the heart of everything we do, to provide them with accessible qualifications and support to achieve their goals for the future. “However, we also know each student’s
experience is different, and understanding those experiences is key to informing and understanding customers as we shape the future direction of our products and services so they meet the needs of students, employers, and the wider economy in a rapidly changing world. “That’s why we’re launching our new Student Advisory Group, which will play a key role in how AAT develops over the next year and beyond.” The group aims to build a strong, supportive student community and create a clear voice for students within AAT. It will focus on topics such as study support, student experience, qualifications,
way off. However, the report said firms do not hide the fact that one of the main motivations to invest in AI is to improve worker performance (productivity) and reduce staff costs. However, the authors of the study says the world’s major economies are now at a tipping point when it comes to AI. Hardly surprising then that one in five (20%) workers in finance are extremely worried about job loss in the next 10 years. Looking for the positives the report says AI can reduce tedious and dangerous tasks, leading to greater worker engagement and physical safety. However, there are risks. By automating simple tasks AI leaves workers with a more intense, higher-paced work environment. AI can also change the way work is monitored or managed, which may increase perceived fairness, but also poses risks to workers’ privacy and autonomy to execute tasks. AI can also introduce or perpetuate biases. You can read OECD Employment Outlook 2023: Artificial Intelligence and the Labour Market (all 267 pages) at https://tinyurl.com/ m9axznch
communications, barriers to progression, and career development. AAT stressed that the group will be a collaborative and confidential environment for students. As part of the group, they’ll also have access to networking and professional development opportunities and a chance to provide feedback on AAT products and services. AAT is looking for 30 students who can commit to the group for 12 months from 1 September 2023, with one meeting per quarter (three online and one face-to-face). If you’d like to be part of this group, please visit the AAT website and complete the expression of interest form before 31 August. Training providers and employers will also have the opportunity to be a part of their respective advisory groups – they can express their interest by speaking to their AAT Account Manager.