More than a quarter (26%) of workers are worried that artificial intelligence (AI) will lead to job losses, according to a new survey.
Workplace expert Acas commissioned YouGov to ask employees in Britain what their biggest concerns about the use of AI were.
The poll also found that just under a fifth (17%) were worried about AI making errors, while 15% were concerned about a lack of regulation.
Acas Interim Chief Executive, Dan Ellis, said:
"There can be concerns from staff when new technologies are introduced at work and it's clear from our study that their biggest worry is that AI will result in job losses.
"Bosses should have clear policies on the use of AI at work, remember that it is not a perfect technology and have open conversations with employees around its use."
Some top tips for employers from Acas on the use of AI at work include:
- Employers should develop clear policies regarding the use of AI in the workplace and should consult employees and any representatives on its introduction. If there is an expectation that certain roles begin using AI, that could mean a change of terms and conditions.
- Employers investing in AI should highlight how it can improve employees' roles and reassure staff that human involvement will still be needed.
- Organisations should remember that AI is not perfect, so outputs should be checked for accuracy, tone and bias. AI should be cited when used and staff may require training on how to get the best outputs.
- A company's data privacy policies will apply for the use of AI, and it is wise to check with your IT team for approved platforms. Employees should be careful entering any information that is business sensitive or personal into public tools. Any information that you do enter could be made public or used by others, so check company policies on the use of AI in the workplace and be aware of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
Acas is holding a special conference next month with experts that will debate the introduction of AI in workplaces. Find out more about the Acas Conference 2025.
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Background notes
1. Acas commissioned YouGov to poll employees in a representative sample of British businesses. The survey was carried out online and the total sample size was 1,023 employees in Great Britain. Fieldwork was undertaken between 27 March to 1 April 2025. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc and have been weighted and are representative of British business size and region.
2. Participants were asked: what is your biggest concern about the use of AI at your workplace? The results were:
- AI making errors: 17%
- Environmental effects: 5%
- Job losses: 26%
- AI is not regulated: 15%
- Data protection concerns: 11%
- Other concerns: 1%
- No concerns: 17%
- Don't know: 8%
3. Acas is hosting its annual conference on 15 May 2025 that will look at conflict, workplace productivity, growth and examine the types of new roles and opportunities AI could create. Speakers will include Business Minister Justin Madders, Acas Chair Clare Chapman and Acas's new CEO Niall MacKenzie as well as host of business, trade union, academic, mediation and workplace experts. It will be held in Central London. Find out more about the Acas Conference 2025.