There is little evidence that AI has a negative impact on employment amongst companies that adopt the technology, according to new research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

However, the study also highlighted that three in five workers are concerned about losing their job to AI over the next 10 years, with a similar share worrying that wages will decrease because of the technology. A further three in four workers that took part in the survey said that AI has increased the work pace, while over half are worried about privacy.

The research found that occupations classified at highest risk of automation account for around 27 per cent of employment, with low and middle skilled jobs most at risk, including in construction, farming, fishing, and forestry, and to a lesser extent production and transportation.

However, according to OECD, both workers and employers using the technology generally report that AI can reduce tedious and dangerous tasks.

It added that rapid AI development and adoption means that new skills are needed, while others may become obsolete.

It explained that low-skilled, older workers, but also higher skilled workers, will need new training.

The report calls for an “urgent” policy action to address some of the risks that AI poses in the workplace, including around privacy, safety, fairness, and labour rights, as well as to ensure accountability and transparency for employment-related decisions supported by AI.

“Labour markets have shown remarkable resilience over the past year and remain tight, though high inflation and the rising cost of living has eroded real incomes,” said OECD secretary-general Mathias Cormann. “The recent acceleration of generative AI related developments and tools marks a technological watershed with material implications in many workplaces."

Cormann continued: “There is a real need to consider longer term policy frameworks on the use of AI in the workplace and to continue to foster international cooperation to maximise the benefits while appropriately managing the downside risks.”

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