Government, Employers and the AI Workforce Transition: A WIG Lunchtime Panel Discussion
This briefing will discuss the distribution of AI-driven productivity gains and the shared accountability for the UK’s workforce transition.
The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the economic landscape, offering significant productivity rewards that remain, at present, unevenly distributed. As the technology evolves, the costs of adjustment are falling disproportionately on lower-skilled workers and the public sector, raising urgent questions about organisational resilience and social equity.
We are delighted to welcome Phil Smith CBE, Chair of the Digital Skills Council and Chair of Skills England, for this special panel discussion. The panel will share critical insights on how government and employers can move beyond siloed approaches to build a cohesive, inclusive framework for the AI-driven economy.
Join this session to discuss:
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Productivity gains from AI are real but unevenly distributed; which workers and organisations are capturing them, and which are being left behind?
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The adjustment costs of AI-driven change fall disproportionately on lower-skilled workers, particularly in the public sector. Who is accountable for managing that transition?
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What would genuinely inclusive reskilling look like in practice?
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How should government, employers and civil society divide responsibility for the workers most exposed to AI-driven displacement?
Speakers
Phil Smith CBE is Chair of Skills England, bringing extensive leadership in technology, innovation and skills development.
Former Cisco UK & Ireland CEO and Chairman, he also chaired Innovate UK and led key skills initiatives, including The Tech Partnership and the Digital Skills Council.
Awarded a CBE in 2019 for services to technology and skills, Phil has worked to bridge industry and education. His appointment as Skills England Chair in 2025 reflects his commitment to shaping the UK’s workforce for future economic needs.
When registering for this event you can choose whether you would prefer to attend in-person or virtually. Please note in-person capacity is limited, and any members we are unable to accommodate face-to-face will be offered the opportunity to join virtually. The livestream will run from 12:30-13:45
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Event places are non-transferable, but colleagues are welcome to register via our website or email us at [email protected].