The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has stated that UK employees must be protected
from workplace decisions made by artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The TUC warned that, in some instances, AI technology is making 'life-changing'
decisions, including those in relation to line managing, hiring and firing.
AI systems are being used to analyse the facial expressions and tone of voice of
job applicants during recruitment processes. The TUC said that this could lead
to 'greater discrimination at work'.
It also suggested that AI technologies could be used by employers to track their
employees' performances and make automated decisions to help to dismiss
employees.
TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell said:
'AI is going to transform the way millions work in this country and is
already being used across the economy to line-manage and hire and fire
staff.
'Without fair rules, this could lead to widespread discrimination and unfair
treatment at work.
'But the government is refusing to put in place the necessary guardrails to
stop people from being exploited.
'Instead of clear and enforceable protections, ministers have issued a series
of vague and flimsy commitments that are not worth the paper they are
written on. And they have failed to provide regulators with the resources
they need to do their jobs properly.
'It's essential that employment law keeps pace with the AI revolution. But
last month's dismal AI white paper spectacularly failed to do that.'
Internet link: TUC website