Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

AI: Impact on Employment

Wednesday 4 February 2026 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial conversations have included discussions with trade unions about the benefits of AI for working-class people.
  • The Government is creating new jobs through AI growth zones, with 15,000 positions already established.
  • Meetings are being held to address issues around AI and copyright, involving the creative sector and AI industry.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lorraine Beavers Lab Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Employment Science & Technology
Context

Discussion about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on job trends, with a focus on ensuring that working-class people benefit from technological advancements.

Question

History shows that workers’ voices must be heard to ensure that advances in technology provide better living and working conditions. Will the Secretary of State tell me what conversations she has had with the trade unions about ensuring that working-class people gain from the innovation in artificial intelligence?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)

My hon. Friend is spot on. We are determined to ensure that the benefits of AI are felt by working people right across the country. That is why our new AI growth zones in north Wales, south Wales, Lanarkshire and the north-east are built on places that were the beating heart of our industrial success and which will now drive our technological success. Trade unions and workers will be at the heart of this transition. I am delighted that we are working with the TUC on this matter, and I have spoken to the general secretary. Additionally, Mike Clancy, general secretary of the Prospect union is on our new expert panel for the future of work unit to ensure that trade union and workers’ views are at the heart of this vital jobs transition.

Answered
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Q2 Alan Mak Con Havant
Economy Culture, Media & Sport Science & Technology
Context

Concern about the Government's failure to address uncertainty around AI data mining and copyright, which is driving jobs in both AI and creative industries abroad.

Question

The Government’s failure to resolve the uncertainty around AI data mining and copyright is undermining the UK’s economic competitiveness. Will the Secretary of State accept that this failure is driving jobs in both AI and the creative industries abroad?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)

We are creating new jobs, with 15,000 from our AI growth zones alone. Culture Secretary and I deeply understand the need to resolve issues around AI and copyright. That is why we have been meeting the creative sector and those from the AI industry so that we find a way forward that works for both our world-leading creatives and our world-leading AI entrepreneurs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not explicitly accept or acknowledge the failure mentioned but stated ongoing efforts to resolve issues around AI data mining and copyright.

How: Working With The Creative Sector

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