www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com 37 D
eep within the bowels of Glasgow’s new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the world of science fiction
has been transformed into reality. A fleet of robots, known as
Automated Guided Vehicles, glide through a network of underground tunnels, quietly portering around essential equipment such as linen and medical supplies. The devices have their own lift, can sense obstacles, and can recharge themselves. This is Artificial Intelligence (AI) in action. The robots are clean, quiet and efficient. They don’t call in sick, fall out with colleagues or take holidays. They are compliant and don’t make bad jokes to patients. In other words, they are near- perfect servants. It’s a positive example of how
technology can add real value to the
Businesses should be factoring
these considerations into their long-term strategic planning”
economy, reducing cost and increasing productivity. That makes it an ideal example of the huge opportunities – and challenges – AI presents. This upscaling of workplace
technology is being described as a new industrial revolution. Disruptive change, driven by ever more sophisticated digital invention, is happening faster than ever before in history. Certainly it is impacting on society at a rate which leaves oversight, regulation and legislation running to catch up. Here in Scotland,
numbers. Katie Russell, Partner in the employment team at the Scottish legal firm Shepherd and Wedderburn, says that the breadth of roles likely to be affected by technology is ‘staggering’. She adds: “Businesses may well expect
113,000 Glasgow
60,000 Edinburgh
36,000 Aberdeen
the effect is likely to be as profound as anywhere. A recent report from the Centre for Cities warned that 20 per cent of jobs could be displaced in Scottish urban centres by 2030. In numeric terms, that means nearly 113,000 jobs in Glasgow, more than 60,000 in Edinburgh, almost 36,000 in Aberdeen and 20,000 in Dundee. These are huge, frightening
Katie Russell
20,000 Dundee
Potential job displacements in Scottish urban centres by 2030. CENTRE FOR CITIES
that certain back office positions such as data entry, office administration, machine operators, bookkeepers and clerks will be replaced by machine learning. “However, it’s also anticipated that technology will replace some customer facing positions, including a large number of sales roles. Businesses should be factoring these considerations into their long-term strategic planning. ‘It may be appropriate to consider the need for
investment in training and upskilling for existing staff so that they can perform other roles.”
Katie also points out that there are
also concerns that current employment law has not kept up with the drive to automation. “For employees, there are a number of concerns.
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